Norwich's Lord Mayor Keith Driver and Sheriff Graham Creelman had good reason to raise their glasses to staff at the Norfolk brewery Woodforde's.

For the Woodbastwick firm is providing some good cheer for their chosen civic charity, Leeway, by brewing a special ale.

The pair yesterday visited the brewery in their civic finery to see the golden zesty ale - memorably named Snapdragon - being brewed under the watchful eye of head brewer Neil Bain.

Four furkins (288 pints) of the one-off ale are being brewed for the Lord Mayor and Sheriff's Medieval Banquet at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich, on Saturday May 31.

Proceeds from the event, which starts at 7.30pm, will go to Leeway, the Norwich-based domestic violence charity in its 40th anniversary year.

The inspiration for the name, Snapdragon, came from the association dragons have with Norwich and its civic dignitaries.

Woodforde's director Dennis Nudd said: 'I suppose we should have made it a fiery beer.'

In fact, the brew, which uses Norfolk's finest ingredients, including Maris Otter barley, has a modest 3.6 ABV making it a refreshing pint ideal for summer drinking.

Mr Driver said: 'It's fantastic that a Norfolk brewer is supporting our chosen civic charity, Leeway. The specially brewed beer will certainly add to the medieval atmosphere of the evening.

'I can remember when the charity started 40 years ago and appreciate what a really good job they have done over the years. At the beginning it was mostly women and children who were helped but now men are being supported too.'

Mr Creelman said: 'It is not a cuddly charity, it is a difficult subject, so it is good to raise its profile.'

Woodforde's managing director Rupert Farquharson said: 'We were delighted to be asked to brew this beer to mark such a special occasion. Our brewery has close links to Norwich and its brewing history and a medieval banquet with local beer at the heart would have gone hand in hand.'

Leeway spokesman Emily Nudd said: 'We are so grateful to Woodforde's. We are hoping for a great evening and to raise vital funds for the charity, which in turn directly helps thousands of adults and children across Norfolk who are experiencing domestic abuse.'

The banquet will feature an array of food, real ale, music and entertainment with a medieval theme. The ticket price is £49 per person, To book tickets email e.nudd@leewaynwa.org.uk or call Emily on 08452 412171.