A NEW micro brewery is due to open later in the year.

Mick Jacques, licensee of the Ministry of Ale pub, Burnley, said he hopes to start work on the scheme at the Trafalgar Street site within the next few weeks.

The brewery will provide three home-brewed ales for the pub which has become a popular real ale venue since it opened last October.

A range of ales bought in from other brewers are currently being sold in the pub, known formerly as the Nelson Inn, which was converted almost single-handed by Mr Jacques after being closed for two years.

Mr Jacques said: "We are finishing off the brewhouse room and hope to begin fitting the new plant by the end of this month.

"If everything goes to plan we hope to be selling our first beers across the bar by Easter and we hope customers will appreciate drinking local beers produced in the town."

The first beers will be a light session beer, a dark beer and a premium strength brew but Mr Jacques said they will be sold alongside guest ales from other suppliers.

Blackburn-based brewery consultants, Moss Brew, have been appointed to fit the new plant.