All hail to the ale! Banks's now on TV

The Black Country's very own Banks's Brewery is to star in a new TV series narrated by none other than The Pub Landlord himself.

Comedian Al Murray's most famous character will be the voiceover to Marston's Brewery: One Ale Of A Job, which has been made for Channel 5 and will feature the Wolverhampton-based breweries group's battle to stay ahead of the competition.

Filming has also taken place at the Marston's Brewery in Burton upon Trent and at Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire, as well as various pubs owned by the group.

Channel 5 commissioned the three-part series from producers Shine TV and it will air on Fridays from September 5 at 8pm.

Richard Westwood, managing director of Marston's Beer Company, said it had been a great experience.

"Our team thoroughly enjoyed being part of the programme-making process earlier this year," he said.

"The end result offers some entertaining insights into the workings of our industry and the unsung heroes who just get on with their work with humour, expertise and an overriding love for their job."

Greg Barnett, commissioning editor for entertainment, daytime and soaps at Channel 5, added: "The men and women we follow in this new series do everything they do out of passion for the perfect pint.

"There's a terrific mix of characters, stories, facts and fun and I very much hope viewers develop a taste for it."

Lorna-Dawn Creanor, executive producer at Shine TV, said the show offered an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.

She said: "Making beer and running a brewery is a fascinating process, add into the mix entertaining and charismatic characters and you have a recipe for must see TV."

The series will focus on people who work at all levels of the business including brewers, bottlers and publicans. Anne Cox, fleet maintenance manager at Wolverhampton is featured in the first programme as the company's 'maintenance matriarch'.

People were also getting the chance to see behind the scenes at the historic Park Brewery in Brewery Road, Wolverhampton, today at the annual Banks's open day and beer festival. Admission was £5 for adults with accompanied children free. The event, running until 5pm, was offering tours and Shire horse rides. There was also live music and children's entertainment.

The brewery, which was built in 1875, is now part of the Marston's group and continues to produce old favourites Banks's Mild and Bitter as well as a number of seasonal beers.

Marston's now has 14,000 staff, six breweries and 13 distribution centres across the length and breadth of Britain. It is the world's largest brewer of cask ale and the fastest growing brewery group in the UK. As well as Banks's Brewery in Wolverhampton, the firm operates Marston's Brewery in Burton upon Trent, Jennings Brewery in the Lake District, Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire and Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire.

Marston's Inns & Taverns has also just been shortlisted in the Caterer.com Best Employers in Hospitality Awards.