A BREWERY will give away 5p per pint of a special ale to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters.

Thwaites in Blackburn will donate to the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity for every pint or bottle of Lancaster Bomber sold today and tomorrow.

The Penny Street firm has partnered with the charity for a year, with an initial fundraising target of £50,000.

The charity was founded by Group Capt Leonard Cheshire, who led RAF No 617 Squadron (or the ‘Dambusters’) for eight months during the Second World War.

Cheshire became one of the youngest commanding officers and the most decorated bomber pilot of the conflict upon the award of the Victoria Cross in 1944.

The organisation he set up is now the UK’s largest charity providing services to disabled people, supporting thousands of people.

Thwaites MD Steve Magnall said: “We wanted an appropriate tribute to commemorate and honour the bravery of the men who sacrificed their lives during the Dambuster raids.

“It is a fitting tribute that a donation will be made to Leonard Cheshire Disability from every pint and bottle of Lancaster Bomber sold on the anniversary.

“We hope that many will join us in raising a pint to the Bomber Command who both sacrificed and risked their lives for our freedom.”

Hugo Middlemas, director of fundraising at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “Our founder’s place in the history of the Dambusters is incredibly important and something we are very proud of.

“We are extremely grateful that Thwaites has recognised this and will be raising much-needed funds to support our vital work with disabled people today.

“The money raised will help fund accessible transport, activities and volunteer support to enable disabled people who use our services to live life to the full.”