The owner of an award-winning independent brewery in Great Yarmouth has raised a glass to celebrate a decade in business.

After dabbling in homebrewing for years, Paul Hodgson decided to take a chance and open his own brewery.

Tombstone Brewery was created in September 2013 by Mr Hodgson and his then-business partner George Devon.

Weeks later, the pair concocted their first brew, Gunslinger, before it filled the glasses of regulars at The Mariners on Howard Street South in time for New Year's Eve.

Last month the brewery, which operates from its saloon on George Street,  reached its ten-year milestone.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Tombstone Saloon Bar and Brewery on George Street. Picture - James WeedsTombstone Saloon Bar and Brewery on George Street. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"Back in 2013, I was working for a company and had had enough," Mr Hodgson said.

"I'd been dabbling in homebrewing for years, and me and George just jumped at the chance to do something bigger.

"It was definitely a gamble, but at some stage in life, you have to just go for it."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Brewer Paul Hodgson behind the bar at Tombstone Saloon Bar. Picture - James WeedsBrewer Paul Hodgson behind the bar at Tombstone Saloon Bar. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)A year after the brewery's launch, Mr Hodgson bought out his partner and expanded the selection of real ales.

In 2015, the brewery moved into its own saloon bar and remains a popular haunt for those with a taste for independent beers, ciders and spirits.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Tombstone Saloon Bar and Brewery also sells a selection of ciders. Picture - James WeedsTombstone Saloon Bar and Brewery also sells a selection of ciders. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Each year, Tombstone Brewery hosts a beer festival at its saloon at Easter. 

And over the years several Tombstone ales - including the Stagecoach dark mild, Gunslinger brew and Hopalong golden ale - have won over judges from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Mr Hodgson said the "time has flown" over the past ten years.

"We've got a lot of loyal regulars, and it's been a great thing to do," Mr Hodgson added.

"I'm really looking forward to the next decade."

Tombstone Saloon Bar and Brewery is open from noon every day, and several of its ales will be available at the 45th Norwich Beer Festival at The Halls from October 23.

For more information, visit Tombstone Saloon Bar & Brewery on Facebook.