PLENTY of horsing around is promised when an East Lancashire brewery marks the ruby anniversary of one of its most "stable" business relationships.

It is four decades since the world-famous shire horses returned to the Daniel Thwaites fold.

The horses, which still make local deliveries in and around Blackburn, have been associated with the brewery since the early 19th century.

They were phased out in 1927 as motorised transport became more popular until former managing director David Kay stepped in.

Now retired, but still a brewery director, Mr Kay was quick to redress the balance when he joined the firm in 1953.

"As a youngster, I used to help out at a farm during the school holidays and particularly enjoyed working with horses," he said.

"I brought my love of horses with me on starting work at Thwaites. The brewery had a suggestion box in those days and I put forward the idea of reintroducing the horses for local delivery and promotion. "My request was turned down flat. It was also rejected again the following year, but finally got the green light in 1959 and we introduced Old Dan and Big Ben, the first two horses, on May 1 1960."

Thirty horses have since followed in their hoof prints with Mr Kay's initial persistence encouraging a national uprising.

He explained: "In the 50s and 60s these animals were something of a rare breed in Britain, a direct result of the motor vehicle. In fact the Shire Horse Society almost folded in 1960, but brewers played a major part in saving the day."

Picture is a flashback to 1977 when the Queen invited shires from all over the British Isles to assemble at Windsor to celebrate her Jubilee, and the famous Thwaites pair Royal and Major (front, left) created a laugh for the royal party with a perfect gesture.