NOW is the time to raise a glass and celebrate The Bolton News’ 150th anniversary.

Scoop Ale, which has been created by Bank Top Brewery to toast the paper’s landmark year, is now on sale.

The refreshing session ale was launched yesterday in the Great Ale bar at the Vaults, as well as at The Tap, in Astley Bridge, and he Ale House in Horwich — both of which are run by Bank Top.

It has already proved popular with drinkers and orders are flooding in from pubs across the borough.

Scoop will also have the honour of being the festival beer at the Bolton Beer Festival, held at the Macron Stadium from October 4 to 7.

Bank Top owner, Dave Sweeney, said: “Scoop has already got quite a high-profile and I’m sure it is going to be very popular. There have been enquiries from pubs in the town centre and also in the surrounding areas.

“The best of the north west are going to be at the Bolton Beer Festival, so it will be great to have it on show there – a lot of pints of Scoop will be poured at the Macron that week.

“It is a really good English beer and it is a great colour. It is perfect to celebrate 150 years of history at The Bolton News.”

Steve Simms, who runs Great Ale with his wife Anne, said: “It is a quality beer and I’m sure it will be popular with our customers. It is very drinkable and not too strong, which is ideal for us.”

Scoop will also be stocked at the Ukranian Club in Castle Street, as well as the Brewhouse in Blackburn Road, and the Darwen Tap.

Reporter Daniel Holland gives his verdict on a pint of Scoop ale...

IT DOESN’T take much to send the food and drink-loving staff here at BN Towers into a frenzy.

The sight of a box of chocolates or biscuit barrel sat next to the printer is usually enough to spark a stampede.

So you can imagine our excitement when we heard we would have our very own beer to celebrate the paper’s 150th anniversary.

And I am delighted to say that it doesn’t disappoint. As promised, Scoop is a light and refreshing session ale that is very easy to drink.

I am not a huge fan of really heavy beers, so this was perfect for me.

It will be ideal for anyone who is out for a few drinks with friends or perhaps a quick pint on their lunch break.

I would encourage any beer fans to give Scoop a try and to support local breweries like Bank Top which are really thriving at the moment.