Plans to build a new brewery in the county are a step closer after ale lovers pledged more than £1 million of their beer money for the project.

Winemaker Chapel Down, which wants to build the manufacturing base for its Curious Drinks beer brand, said it was raising its fundraising goal after hitting its target in a single month.

The company now aims to raise £3.65 million – the maximum allowed – through its crowdfunding campaign by the end of February next year.

The Tenterden-based firm aims to use the proceeds to construct a state-of-the-art new brewery and visitor attraction in the heart of Ashford, with its ideal transport links to London and the continent.

It is hoped the brewery – which bosses say will “transform the image and layout of Ashford” – will be open by the end of next year and will allow the company to brew and bottle its range on a single site.

Bosses said they are in final negotiations to acquire a 1.7 acre location next to the International Station.

The corner site is located between Victoria Way and the rail line.

Chapel Down, which has vineyards in Tenterden, Blue Bell Hill and in the Weald, reached its goal by raising £655,300 through crowdfunding website Seedrs and £345,000 through a share placing.

In addition to their stake in the company, investors were tempted by guided tours of where the beer is made, limited edition lagers and the ability to qualify for 30% tax relief.

Chief executive Frazer Thompson said: “We are delighted with how the Curious Drinks fundraising has gone in its first four weeks and are truly humbled by the phenomenal response we have received.

“We have seen a huge amount of interest from both customers and individual investors.

"We believe this is testament to the fact that these are not only great beers and cider but also a worthy investment opportunity, and we hope to welcome many more shareholders to Curious Drinks in the coming months.”

Chapel Down raised £4 million in a successful crowdfunding campaign last year – the first ever by a listed company.