BREWERS Thwaites have struck a multi-million pound deal with a top entrepreneur.

The Blackburn firm has linked up with Basil Newby's "In the Pink" leisure group which has become Thwaites' biggest-ever free trade account. In the Pink includes venues such as Funny Girls nightclub in Blackpool.

"When we decided to seek a new brewery there were many parties keen to talk business with us but Thwaites impressed us from the word go," said Mr Newby.

Brian Jenkins, Thwaites free trade sales manager, said the deal was the culmination of years of hard work.

"It goes to show what we can be achieved even in the most difficult of trading climates if you have a superb range of products and a dedicated sales team," said Mr Jenkins.

The free trade division currently supplies around 250 sports clubs including Lancashire County Cricket Club.

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