Newport's Bluesone Brewing Co is raising a glass to success, after winning two prizes at the regional Amazon Rural Business Awards.

The family-run company won the Best Rural Drink Business category at the Wales & Northern Ireland regional finals of the Amazon Rural Business Awards as well as runner-up as Best Rural Drink Business.

Following the impressive win at the regional awards, the local business will now go on to represent Wales at the national final in February 2019. Other local winners were Cardigan's Crwst which won Best Rural Start Up Croft Farm and Cottages, near Cardigan, which won Best Rural Tourism Business.

Bluestone Brewing Co was described as "a vibrant little business which has grown into something quite unique and exciting". The brewhouse is housed in the old, traditional farm buildings of Tyriet farm.

Since it was set up in 2015, the brewery has not only established a great rapport locally, but also further afield, due to the exciting branding and award-winning ales and lager it produces. During the summer period the brew yard comes alive with a series of live events, and a bustling shop and bar.

Rural Business Awards joint founder Jemma Clifford said:

"What set Bluestone apart and ensured its victory in the Outstanding Rural Diversification Project category (Wales and Northern Ireland), and its spot as runner-up as Best Rural Drink Business, was the positive impact that the firm had had on its local community, its approach to sustainability, (and other environmental initiatives), and its strong ethical approach to its business operations.

"It's clear that Simon and his daughter Amy have a real passion for what they do and a dedication when they do it. Supported by Simon's wife and Amy's mother, Kerry, the Brewery is a real family affair and a very worthy winner."

Now in its fourth year, the Amazon Rural Business Awards is the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain.

Speaking after picking up the top award, Emily Hutchinson, Marketing Manager at Bluestone Brewing, said:

"We are thrilled to receive recognition in two categories at the prestigious Rural Business Awards. Just over five years ago, we realised that the scale of our farm was at a stage where it needed to either grow or diversify, and so Bluestone Brewing was born.

"We aim to produce great-tasting, award winning beers and market them around the world, flying the flag for Welsh artisan producers.

"Events like this are crucial to boosting rural businesses, and winning the award just adds to our belief in our business and our determination to continue growing."

To find out more, visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk