Local Hero: Glory for the Bell

Winning a gold medal in any sport is a huge achievement - but when it comes after the winner lost the use of both his legs, it is something very special indeed.

This is what happened to Matt Skelhon, who won gold at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in the Mixed R3 10m air rifle, aged 23 - only three years after the terrible car accident that changed his life.

And it is this amazing achievement that has led to him having a beer named after him at his local, the Bell Inn in Stilton near Peterborough, under The Publican's Local Hero series in association with WaverleyTBS.

Stilton's Golden Glory - a 3.7 per cent session bitter bursting with soft fruit aromas and flavours - is the latest ale to be brewed under the initiative, which invites pubs to nominate local heroes or causes that they would like to see a beer named after (see panel).

It was Simon Robson, licensee of the Bell Inn, who came up with the idea. "Matt really has achieved a lot in his few short years and it's nice to be able to show our support for the community in a more quirky and thirst-quenching way," he says.

For Matt's part, he is rather abashed about having a beer named after him and says: "I don't suppose many people can boast about the fact that they have a beer named in their honour. But I am truly honoured and shall enjoy sampling a couple with friends and family."

Claim to fame​

Now on the third cask at the Bell, Stilton's Golden Glory sits alongside at least five other cask ales from WaverleyTBS, with Greene King's IPA, London Pride and Young's bitter on permanent handpulls, and a regularly rotating number of local guest ales. "Regulars are quite vocal about their likes and dislikes," says Simon, "but they love to support the local brewers. Beers like Fool's Nook and Barnwell Bitter are always very popular."

The Bell plays a major part in the local economy by employing 60 part-time and full-time staff working in the restaurant, bistro, bar and bedrooms.

The Bell Inn's other claim to fame is of significance for British culinary history. In the 18th century it was an important stop on the Great North Road between London and York.

But it was an enterprising landlord, Cooper Thornhill, who put the pub on the map. He introduced the weary travellers to a creamy, blue-veined cheese which later took the village name of Stilton and is now known as 'The King of Cheeses'. It is thought that he purchased the cheese from a farmer's wife called Frances Pawlett who made the cheese locally.

As Simon comments: "I like to think that we're carrying on Mr. Cooper Thornhill's legacy by still buying great local produce to serve here. We are very well supported in the community and in return support local suppliers and farmers all year round."

And they support a true local hero as well, in the shape of Matt Skelhon and Stilton's Golden Glory.

Who's your Hero?​

The Local Hero initiative, in association with The Publican's Proud of Pubs campaign, sees licensees given the opportunity to sell a cask ale named after their very own 'local hero'.

Every month the Publican reader judged to be celebrating the greatest local hero or cause will get nine free gallons of the beer, brewed by one of eight regional brewers.

But every single stockist of Local Hero Beer, on sale until September, will receive a specially designed pump clip to celebrate their cause - as well as a free PR pack offering tips to promote their beer.

Anyone can order Local Hero Beer via any one of the WaverleyTBS depots. Go to www.waverleytbs.co.uk to find your local depot. Or call 020 7955 3710 to tell us about your own Local Hero - and put your pub forward for the monthly prize.

Other Local Hero Beers this month include:

• Dresden Ale at the Fox and Goose in West Bromwich - named after their pub football team, and guaranteed to sell after footy training and matches

• Sleeping Beauty at the London Inn in Summercourt, Cornwall - named after their longest-serving customer, who has been drinking in the pub for more than 30 years!