BREWERY giants Interbrew UK Limited have been fined £15,000 for polluting the River Ribble.

Preston Magistrates' Court imposed the penalty on September 12, and the company was also ordered to pay £867.15 in costs.

In recent years site drainage, contaminated above acceptable levels, has been released into the Ribble at Interbrew's site at Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury, Preston.

This pollution can reduce oxygen levels in the water which harms fish and other wildlife.

A programme of improvement works has begun at the site after meetings between Interbrew and the Environment Agency.