Residents of Perth will be able to celebrate the town's 800th anniversary with a new beer.

Perth 800 Ale was launched on Tuesday by Provost John Hulbert.

The beer was produced by the Perth-based Inveralmond Brewery especially for the celebrations, and will be sold at local pubs throughout 2010.

This year marks 800 years since King William the Lion of Scotland granted the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth in 1210.

Provost Hulbert said: "Inveralmond Brewery came up with the excellent idea of brewing a Perth 800 ale with a special recipe. I'm sure it will be enjoyed by pub-goers and it will also help spread the word about Perth 800.

"It's the involvement of local people and businesses that will really help to make Perth 800 a success."

The Brewery's managing director, Fergus Clark, added: "When we heard about the Perth 800 celebrations we thought it was an ideal opportunity to produce a beer to mark this very special occasion.

"We have developed a recipe that offers the taste and body of a traditional ale, which we believe embodies the rich history and heritage of Perth very well."