ONE of East Lancashire's best-known hospitality firms is to be split up following a manage-ment buy-out of a part of the business.

Martin Jones has bought Northcote Offsite, the outside catering arm of Northcote Group, which currently supplies matchday catering for Blackburn Rovers.

The new business, currently based at Ewood Park, will be renamed With A Twist.

Northcote Group was founded 25 years ago by Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft.

The company is made up of several businesses including the Michelin-starred rest-aurant Northcote Manor, Langho, and the award-winning pub the Three Fishes, Mitton.

As part of the deal, the Northcote Group will retain its contract with Blackburn Rovers which runs until 2013.

Mr Jones has been operations director of Northcote Offsite for the past seven years. Mr Bancroft said the sale would allow Northcote Group to concentrate on expanding the business and completing the refurbishment of Northcote Manor.

He said: "With so much happening on so many fronts, it's clear that we need to focus on the core businesses in the group, giving them the direction they need.

"This development will enable us to put renewed emphasis on the main catering contract at Ewood Park - in place until 2013.

"Martin and his partner Catherine Byrom are committed to making With A Twist a significant player in the market and Nigel and I are only too happy to offer them our continued support and recommendation."