BEER buffs are in for a treat as a brewing company has launched a new bitter named after a political stalwart specially for an upcoming festival.

Harwich Town Brewing Company have produced Fancy Tart bitter, a 4% amber ale ahead of the fifth annual beer festival at the Redoubt Fort which begins on Thursday.

The new brew is named after a slang term for Nicholas Vansittart who was MP for Harwich between 1812 and 1823 and also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer during that time.

Vansittart, who was also given the title of Lord Bexley, was the longest serving continuous chancellor in history until he was usurped by Gordon Brown in 2004.

The beverage will be available at the festival which is open between 11am and 11pm from Thursday through to Saturday and between noon and 7pm on Sunday.

Entry is £3 per head with the first half pint free for anyone bringing their own non-glass drinking vessel.

Dogs and children are also welcome and there will be food available as well as a variety of live music.