A new gluten-free beer has been produced by a Norfolk brewery after originally being created for a member of staff who had been diagnosed with celiac disease.

Norfolk Brewhouse staff member Cathy Waller found out about her intolerance to gluten which inspired her to push for gluten-free beers.

The brewery has come up with the Moon Gazer Pacific Pale Ale as a result.

David Holliday, co-founder of the Hindringham brewery, said: 'Cathy has been with us for five years and was diagnosed with celiac disease. Effectively, we wanted to create a beer which she could have as she likes drinking our beers and was unable to drink them when she found out about her condition.

'Often gluten-free products can be very disappointing, such as bread, but this is a beer which can be enjoyed by everyone as it still tastes great. 'Whether you are celiac or mildly gluten intolerant, this will be fine to drink.

'We do have plans for new gluten-free beers in the future as there will be more in the pipeline.'

The pale ale still has barley and malts in it so it tastes just like any other non gluten-free beer. It uses a hop from Motueka, a coastal town in the South Island of New Zealand, and Maris Otter barley.

The addition of an enzyme reduces the amount of gluten in the beer below the gluten-free threshold.

Cathy Waller said: 'I was suffering from various symptoms as a celiac such as a lack of energy. When I got back to work I pushed for gluten-free beers to be made and we eventually gave it a go. I'm very happy it is now available.

'There is absolutely no difference between gluten-free and non gluten-free beer. In fact, I prefer this Specific Pale Ale anyway. It's delicious.

'Lots of my family and friends have tried it and they also love it as it's a particularly nice beer.'

It will be available at the Great British Beer Festival which runs until Saturday at the Olympia London exhibition centre.

Norfolk breweries at the Great British Beer Festival 2018

Boudicca Brewing Company: An independent Norfolk brewery set up in 2015, this award winning vegan brewer is based in Fakenham.

Humpty Dumpty: Named after the fictional nursery rhyme character, the Reefham brewery's 4pc Swallowtail pale ale has a refreshing taste with a lively hop finish.

Lacons: Established in 1760, the brewery returned to Great Yarmouth in 2013 after a 45-year absence and will be producing Encore Bitter and Old Nogg Strong Ale at the festival.

Norfolk Brewhouse: multi-award winners in the Society of Independent Brewers Awards on a national and regional level, as well as CAMRA awards for their ales.

Panther: This Reepham based microbrewery produces a Belgian style fruit beer and a Summer Daze extra pale ale which will be available at the festival.

Woodforde's: Based in Woodbastwick village on the River Bure, this brewery has collected two Supreme Champion Beer of Britain awards.