A new four-legged ambassador has been welcomed to a Lancashire brewery.

Known for their legendary Shire horses, Thwaites' brewery in Mellor Brook has welcomed a new horse, called Rocket, to its line-up to officially replace veteran Shire horse, Gunner, who is now happily retired.

Since Gunner’s retirement in August 2020, Thwaites’ head horseman, Richard Green, has been searching for a new Shire horse to complete the team, and when he found Rocket, he knew he was the one.

At three years old and standing 18.1hh tall, the company’s newest employee, who was named by the Yerburgh Family, founders of Daniel Thwaites PLC, is already settling into his new life at the head office in Mellor Brook.

Lancashire Telegraph: Rocket the Shire Horse

Thwaites’ Shire horses are a huge part of the company’s heritage and once delivered Thwaites’ top-quality beers to local pubs across the region.

Now though, the iconic Shire horses act as mascots for the brewery.

Working closely with the other horses, Wainwright, Ribble and Drummer, Rocket will spend his time out and about, travelling the UK and meeting fans at the company’s award-winning pubs, inns and spa hotels.

Head horseman, Richard Green said: “Rocket has fit in effortlessly and is currently starting his journey long-reining with myself and the other horsemen.

"With his next milestone being harness breaking, he will hopefully be out meeting his newfound fans at Christmas.

"Rocket has many more weeks of training, but we’re pleased with his progress, and he is already a much loved and valued member of the Thwaites family.”

When asked about retired Gunner, Mr Green said: “The last I’ve heard he’s having a great time down on the farm in Whitchurch with his new pal, Steve the Shetland’.