A new venture where people can learn how to make beer is due to launch near Norwich after plans for the microbrewery were approved.

Equal Brewkery, a charity that offers training for people with learning disabilities, has been granted permission to create a brewing school at a site near Whitlingham Country Park.

The group will operate from a storage container located on land off Whitlingham Lane.

Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, with some bottles of their beer, including the festive brew ready for Christmas.Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, with some bottles of their beer, including the festive brew (Image: Denise Bradley)

Equal Brewkery expect the microbrewery will produce about 200 litres of beer a month which will be supplied wholesale to local shops and cafés, including the nearby Whitlingham Café.

Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, at the mash tun with volunteers Donna Donnachie, left, and Emma Hornby, as they begin to brew their festive beer.Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, at the mash tun with volunteers Donna Donnachie, left, and Emma Hornby, as they begin to brew their festive beer (Image: Denise Bradley)

David Davies, a member of Equal Brewkery, told the Broads Authority that their intentions are to "teach skills and knowledge that may lead to employment but also to engage positively with people in our community who may be otherwise overlooked, ignored or marginalised."

The plans were approved this month by planning officers after it received no objections.

However, people expecting to try a freshly brewed pint straight from the source will be disappointed as they have been told they cannot sell or consume any ale produced on site.