BOLTON'S Bank Top Brewery has made its first venture into the mild market with the launch of its latest beer.

Brewer John Feeney pulled the first pint of the dark mild at the Kings Head pub, Deane.

Until now the local brewery, which was set up five years ago, has concentrated on producing bitter.

"They used to say mild was an old man's drink," said John.

But he believes there is a growing popularity for the brew and virtually all of the 40 first barrels of the mild have already been sold.

If the mild is a success then John plans to produce the drink more regularly.

John Nelson, left, landlord of the King's Head, Deane, with John Feeney, from Bank top Brewery, at the launch of Bank Top's new dark mild beer.