THWAITES yesterday started brewing beer for thirsty pubgoers at its new Ribble Valley home spot on schedule.

Work has started on the first 6,000 pints of ale from its new £12million base at Sykes Holt near Mellor Brook

The first barrels of Thwaites Best Cask are expected to be delivered to pubs in two weeks time.

Brewing at the new site is starting a month ahead of initial plans after a travellers’ invasion led to the end of production at its historic Blackburn home in May.

Andrew Buchanan, Thwaites director of pubs and brewing, said yesterday: "Our brewers have worked incredibly hard to get everything ready for brewing.

"After several test brews they are happy that the beer meets their high standards.

"Our new brewery looks fantastic and starting brewing there is a milestone in our company’s history.

"Our brewers are really happy to get back to brewing great beer and we are all looking forward to the future in our new home."

Head brewer Brian Yorston and his team of four will soon start work brewing Nutty Black and beers from the firm’s seasonal range that changes every week for the firm’s 250 pubs, inns and hotels .

The beer range will expand over the next 12 month to include Thwaites Original and a new core range of beers currently in the process of development.

Cllr Ken Hind, leader of Ribble Valley Council , said: "This is terrific news.

"It is the start of a new era for the borough and for Thwaites.

"This will bring jobs and prosperity to the Ribble Valley as well as new locally brewed beers."

Thwaites head office, stables and famous shire horses will move from the 211 -year-old Star Brewery in Blackburn town centre to Sykes Holt next month as planned.