AN East Lancashire brewery has scooped an award for one of its ales – in Hong Kong.

Bosses at Thwaites, based in Blackburn, have been celebrating after craft brown ale Big Ben struck gold at the Hong Kong Beer Awards.

The dark English ale, from the Penny Street firm’s Crafty Dan range, has been chosen as the top brown ale available in Hong Kong’s restaurants and bars.

Praised by the tasting panel for its mix of English and American hops, fruity aroma and its sweet and nutty malts, Big Ben faced competition from a field of international beer brands to come out on top.

Marketing manager Lee Williams said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as one of the best beers in Hong Kong.

“Winning this award just shows how far we have developed our reach as a brewer.

“It wasn’t that long ago when sales in the Far East meant we sold beer in Leeds.”

John Webster, chairman of the East Lancashire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said it was great news for the region.

He said: “There are breweries around here exporting bottles to places like Russia, not just real ales but all sorts of beer.

“I think it is great for a brewery like Thwaites, which is going through a bit of a tough time at the moment.

“It is nice they are getting that recognition from as far away as Hong Kong and I congratulate everyone at the brewery on their success.”

Thwaites, which is relocating after buying land at Mellor Brook, has already enjoyed a number of awards successes this year.

Earlier this month its canned American-inspired IPA scooped a silver at the Indie Beer Can Festival, and in August Thwaites took five awards at the International Beer Challenge.

The Hong Kong International Beer Awards, now in its sixth year, is established as the premier awards recognising the best beers available in Hong Kong’s restaurants and bars.