BLACKBURN brewer Thwaites has won a prestigious contract to supply beers to all the borough’s council bars.

The three-year deal begins next month and will also see the firm providing beers and lagers to one-off events including Darwen Music Festival and Arts In The Park.

Coun Michael Lee, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said he was delighted that the deal had been done.

And he said it had been 'a source of embarrassment for years' at the council that the brewery giant did not supply its local authority.

Thwaites said nine bars, including King George’s Hall, Blakeys and Darwen Library Theatre, would be stocked by a full range of their products.

The deal was celebrated today with a very special delivery from the brewery’s famous shire horses to King George’s Hall.

A spokesman for Daniel Thwaites said the deal, which comes at the end of an agreement with bosses at InterBrew, was a ‘massive boost’.

Coun Lee said: “The deal always goes out to tender and this time we are very happy to announce that Thwaites has won the contract.

“Previously we have always been keen to work with Thwaites but it is public money and we must look for the best deal.

“It has always been a source of some embarrassment that Thwaites hasn’t been supplying the council’s bars.”

Coun Michael Law-Riding, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for leisure and culture, said: “We are delighted to award this contract to Blackburn brewers Daniel Thwaites.

"It bodes very well for the local economy and Thwaites deserve recognition for the exceptional service they provide throughout the area.

“I’m sure visitors to King George’s Hall and Darwen Library Theatre will be looking forward to raising a glass or two of their excellent beers.”