Shareholders and management at a historic Oxfordshire brewery are being urged to continue producing beer from its traditional base.

The Campaign for Real Ale wants to prevent any move by Brakspear to halt its brewing operation in Henley, where it has been for more than 220 years.

A website, letter and poster appeal call on stakeholders to pledge their support for the company to keep brewing, in response to the recent announcement that Brakspear is reviewing its entire brewing operation.

The review has been prompted by increased competition and declining sales. Management said Chancellor Gordon Brown's Budget decision to to halve the duty paid by small and micro-brewers -- the equivalent of 14p off a pint -- has put the firm under pressure, as it is too big to qualify. Options are being discussed and fears are rising that brewing at the site could end or be contracted out.

Camra's central southern director, Colin Lanham, said: "We're supporting the company with a positive campaign to boost consumer support of Brakspear beers and shareholder confidence in the future of brewing.

"While times might be difficult, we firmly believe the company would not prosper without its brewery. Brakspear's great asset is its beers."

Brakspear spokesman Graham Stewart-Reed said no decision had been taken on the future of brewing at the site and the results of the review would not be known for several months.

He added: "It was inevitable Camra would take this line but this is a commercial enterprise that has to make a profit."