WHEN the last keg of GL cider was ceremoniously and sadly buried in the yard at the Royal Foresters in Cinderford, heartbroken fans of 'Gloucester Lager' as it was once known thought that was the end of the affair.

However they are now rejoicing. Westons Cider has not only announced it is reviving the historic and much-loved Gold Label but chose the Forest pub for its relaunch.

GL used to be owned by Bulmers, who acquired the brand when they bought the Gloucester Cider Company in 1948. In 2010, Bulmers (now owned by Heineken) retired the brand to much disappointment from pubgoers and landlords of the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Westons Cider, recognising its regional cultural importance, bought GL from Heineken and this autumn restarted production to ensure GL cider once again is available exclusively to the pubs and bars in the three counties.

Medium sweet, and deep amber in colour, with an ABV of 4 per cent, the relaunched GL is faithful to the original recipe retired in 2010. The new, restyled branding references the original, yet adds a contemporary twist for today's marketplace.

The first pint of relaunched Westons GL was ceremonially poured on Friday October 26.

Geoff Bradman, head of UK Sales at Westons Cider, said: "We have great pleasure in restoring this iconic cider to its former greatness. GL has been an important part of the regional culture in the three counties and we're proud to bring it back to those that like to call it their own."