Dark Star, the Sussex micro-brewery, is lighting up the UK with its range of beers.

Its latest accolade comes from the North Hertfordshire branch of CAMRA, the real ale campaigning group.

Dark Star was founded by Paul Reed at The Evening Star pub in Surrey Street, Brighton, and also has a brewery at Ansty, near Haywards Heath.

At the Hitchen Beer Festival, Dark Star's Golden Gate Bitter won the best in festival award and members of the CAMRA branch travelled to Brighton to present the award to head brewer Mark Tranter.

Mr Reed said: "We are very excited that our style of beers has been so well received and especially with recognition from our industry peers at the Small Independent Brewers' Association."

At the Southdowns Festival in Lewes last month, Dark Star received a gold award for its Hophead ale.

The successes follow four awards at the Society of Small Brewers' national competition.

Hophead was named supreme champion ale, Sunburst was runner-up and speciality awards went to Dark Star's authentic ginger beer and a porter named after the brewery.