IT'S hop-hop hooray for a Sussex beer masker who can go ahead with plans for a new brewery in the South Downs after raising half a million pounds in a matter of days.

Bedlam Brewery has smashed its £330,000 target for a crowdfunding bid to finance a new solar-powered brewhouse which will see their production capacity grow seven-fold.

Managing director Dominic Worrall said he hoped that with the finances in place, the new brewery on the outskirts of Ditchling could be up and operating by Easter.

By raising £170,000 more than anticipated, the brewery now hope to move forward with plans to open their first pub in Brighton.

Mr Worrall added the additional funding would also create more employment opportunities with two new sales posts and allow for wider exportation of their beer.

The huge crowdfunding success is the latest reason to raise a glass for the brewers which have seen phenomenal growth since its relaunch as a commercial brewery in February 2015.

In the brewer’s first 12 months, production levels grew four-fold as their beers began being supplied around London and the South East while turnover has increased by more than 85 per cent.

Recent success includes securing distribution deals to brewer and pub owner Greene King and Marriott hotels.

Last month the firm was boosted by the addition of Paul Reed to their management after 16 years as founder and managing director of Dark Star Brewery.

Bedlam had already secured £170,000 raised from shareholders and associates before raising £500,000 on Crowdcube since October 21.

Currently the firm runs its entire brewery operation on the solar energy they produce at their Albourne site where they also grow and hand harvest Sussex and Pilgrim hops with any spent grain is given away for free to a neighbouring farmer to use as cattle feed.

The new facility will be able to accommodate tours with tasting rooms and a shop and will give employees and visitors stunning views across the South Downs National Park.

Mr Worrall, co-owner of The Bull in Ditchling which was recently named best pub in the country by The Morning Advertiser, said: “It’s just mindblowing.

“Apart from the finances, it is really touching that what we are doing is resonating with people, that is the really good thing.

“It has been a gradual thing, for craft beer you have got to go back to Dark Star, Thornbury and Meantime 15 to 20 years ago.

“Our approach has been a little bit different to some, we’re not looking to produce those really hoppy American ales, we’re doing something more traditional, more pure beer styles.”