TWO Leominster families have joined forces to raise money for a children's hospital which nursed two of their children back to health.

Mervyn Mahony and Serah Anderson of the White Lion and Jimmy Swan and Gill Bullock of Swan Brewery are raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the launch of a new 4.4% full bodied premium ale called Lily Little Legs.

Available only in the White Lion, for every pint of Lily Little Legs sold, a donation will be made to the hospital.

With the businesses only half a mile apart, the couples hit upon the idea of a bespoke brew for the White Lion to offer something not available elsewhere in the town, and one that Mervyn and Serah knew would be to the tastes of their customers.

They also realised it was an opportunity to give something back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where the daughters of both couples have undergone treatment and had excellent care.

Jimmy and Gill’s daughter, Anna, was born with an abdominal condition and had corrective surgery at 11 months. She is now eight years old and has only an “unusual” belly button to show for her condition.

For Mervyn and Serah the experience is more recent, with their youngest child, Lily, having had surgery on her ears this spring.

A recent check-up shows Lily is making good progress.

Mr Mahony said: "Our Lily is such a brave girl. Our nickname for her is Lily Little Legs, which is an apt name for a beer which will raise money for the hospital where she has had great care.

"Serah and I can’t thank the staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital enough.”

Lily Little Legs is now available from the bar at the White Lion.