It was with sadness that West Cumbria branch has learned of the passing of Peter Laws, former head brewer at Jennings, Cockermouth and one of the giants of the real ale world.

Peter spent his entire working life in brewing starting in February 1961 as a pupil brewer at Tamplins, Brighton.

From there he worked for a number of major brewers including Bass Charrington and Boddingtons.

After a two and-a-half-year spell with Banks brewery in Barbados he moved to Cumbria to become head brewer at Jennings in 1997.

Under his guidance the company produced many of its classic beers including Sneck Lifter, Cocker Hoop and Jennings Bitter, and the brewery became a byword nationally for good quality cask ale.

Peter retired from Jennings in 2006.

After Jennings, Peter set up a consultancy and helped several local microbreweries set up. He was also instrumental in the design of gin stills for the Lakes Distillery.

A keen rugby man and fly angler, Peter was liked and admired by all those who knew him.

Peter died on 25 October. Jennings brewery closed its doors for the last time six days later.

The passing of an age indeed.