Michelle Porter, 21, fought off stiff competition from more than 1,200 applicants from across the UK to be named the 'Queen of beers'.

The Ballymena lager fan will now get to travel the world learning the tasting trade from the world-renowned Budweiser Brewmasters.

Budweiser offered boozers the unique opportunity in a competition announced earlier this year.

And in true Apprentice style, after writing detailed answers on why they loved beer, finalists had to attend an intense day-long challenge at the Bud brewery in London.

The contest said it was only open to true lager connoiseurs - so it's fitting someone from Ulster took the prize.

Michelle will now fly to St Louis, Missouri – home of Budweiser – to see where the world's best known lager was created.

Next it's off to Busch Farm Huell in Munich, Germany, where the new apprentice will get hands-on experience harvesting the aromatic hops at Anheuser-Busch's farm.

Then it is back to the Budweiser Brewery in London for apprentice training, shadowing the brewmasters and learning about each step of the complex brewing process.

Budweiser Brewmaster Hugo Anderson said: "Budweiser is crafted by a team of brewmasters who are dedicated to brewing. We are eager to open our brewery's doors and share our passion with someone who appreciates beer.

"The Budweiser Brewmaster's Apprentice winner will have the opportunity to learn about Budweiser by going behind-the-scenes at our brewery, travelling the world and tasting some great beer along the way."