THE man who oversaw the dramatic expansion of Moorhouse's brewery David Grant has unexpectedly resigned as its managing director.

Business boss Mike Damms and former MP for the town Peter Pike praised his contribution to the 150-year-old Burnley firm and the town.

Moorhouse's announced Mr Grant's departure after heading up the company for more than 14 years yesterday.

When he joined in 2001, the brewery was producing just 35 barrels-a-week from Victorian-built premises in Moorhouse Street, Burnley.

The brewery has seen year-on-year growth and in 2010 opened a new £4.2m brewery with a production capacity of 1,000 barrels-a-week.

Last year sales reached £6million in value thanks to agreements he negotiated with leading pub companies including Punch, Enterprise and JD Wetherspoon and supermarkets.

Mr Grant said: "After 14 very challenging but enjoyable years I have decided to move on to new pastures.

"We made great progress in those years despite an ever-difficult market place.

"When I joined the brewery, despite our Black Cat beer having won the Champion Beer of Britain in 2000, the business was at a very low ebb indeed.

"I very much believe that Moorhouse’s beers are amongst the best in the country and deserve to be enjoyed in pubs throughout the land.

"I now wish the brewery well in beating those tough challenges in the years that lie ahead."

Moorhouse’s director Ian Parkinson said: "David Grant has given outstanding service to the brewery over 14 years, working hard to transform Moorhouse’s from micro to regional status.

"His tireless energy has provided a strong platform for continued future growth.

"We sincerely thank him for his dedication and wish him well for the future."

Mr Pike said: "I think he did a tremendous job for Moorhouses.

"He has overseen a massive expansion and a new brewery producing some fine beers.

"Mr Grant did a great job for the firm and a great job for Burnley."

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mr Damms said: "David has been a huge figure in the East Lancashire business world over the last 15 years.

"He has been very supportive of Burnley and its ambitions as a borough.

"His presence will be missed

"The brewery has grown greatly under his managing directorship and it will be interesting to see what direction Moorhouses takes now in a highly-competitive sector."