A LOCAL AM has welcomed news that a major supermarket chain is to sell a Porthmadog brand of beer.

Neil Hamilton, AM for Mid and West Wales, said he was delighted to hear that the Co-operative Group is supporting a number of small breweries in about 80 of their Welsh stores, including the Purple Moose in Porthmadog.

Mr Hamilton said:  “As a long-time supporter of CAMRA, I am delighted to see that four breweries in my constituency have been recognised in this way. It is so important to back local businesses and it’s very heartening to see a national supermarket chain also showing its support.

“Small independent breweries have so much to offer and it will be great to see different beers on our supermarket shelves, giving consumers the local choice they want and deserve.”

“This is exciting news for Wales as we have some terrific small independent breweries where we can buy fantastic beer made locally.

"I am an avid supporter of buying locally sourced food and other products made in the community. I welcome this news from the Co-op and its plans for the future are very encouraging.”

Nicky Phillips, Co-op public affairs officer said: “As a community retailer, we want to make a difference in the communities we serve by working with more small suppliers as a better way to do business.”