Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry has been recognised for his efforts in securing a cut in beer duty at last year’s Budget.

Mr Baldry was presented with a Beer Champion award and a specially brewed bottle of beer at the Ye Olde Reindeer Inn in Banbury by James Clarke, managing director of the Hook Norton brewery.

The award is a joint initiative from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

Mr Clarke said: “I was honoured to present the award to Tony Baldry for all his efforts. As a local brewery, we are delighted we can now look to the future of the UK’s brewing industry.”

The industry is now campaigning for a freeze in duty in next week’s Budget.