WEST Devon microbrewery Tavy Ales has scooped a sought-after top prize at the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) South West Regional Beer Festival for the second year running. 'Tavy Porter' impressed the 117 national judges to win gold in its category (porters, stouts, old ales and strong milds) and overall champion silver. The competition was fierce, with 272 cask ales being judged from breweries all over the South West — from Wiltshire to the Isles of Scilly. Nathan Sanders, Tavy Ales head brewer, said: 'To win gold in category for our porter was fantastic, but to win silver overall, against so many other established breweries, was something we never expected.' Mark Smith, Tavy Ales director, said: 'We are just over the moon and hope that these awards will strengthen our brewery's growing reputation for making great beer.' Held at Tuckers Maltings, one of only four malthouses in England that still produce malt in the traditional way, the SIBA event is one of the leading regional beer festivals in the UK. The winning beers will go on to represent the South West region at the SIBA national final. Tavy Ales was established in May 2012 by local couple, husband and wife, Mark Smith and Janna Sanders, along with Janna's brother, Nathan. Janna and Nathan both grew up and went to school in Tavistock.