The secrets of brewing a traditional Black Country beer which has run in the family for generations

Breweries have been a part of the region for centuries, providing the welcoming aroma of hops and yeast in the air across Dudley, Sandwell, Staffordshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton and many different types of beer loved by thousands.

In the wake of the news of the planned closure of Banks's Brewery in Wolverhampton, the Express & Star wants to support our local breweries and show that there are still many out there producing quality beers to be enjoyed in pubs from Aldridge down to Smethwick.

As part of our Backing Our Breweries campaign, we are going to look at what different breweries do, how they grew and built up their reputation, what their products are, how they continue to run in what are difficult financial times and what makes them special.

One brewery which has established itself as a staple of the community and which still brews within the Black Country is Holden's Brewery in Woodsetton in Dudley.

It has brewed from the same site since the freehold of the Park Inn was bought by Lucy Blanche Elizabeth and Edwin Holden in 1915 and has passed down the generations as the business has expanded, taking in the three cottages which were next to the pub and turning them into the current brewery.

The brewery is a distinctive sight from George Street in Woodsetton, with white walls and the name of Edwin Holden emblazoned on the side, and the site is a working one, with different beers being brewed each day, including beers from other companies which Holden's brew for them.