A RAMSBOTTOM man who is boss of a world-leading Lancashire brewery is urging north west civic leaders to swap le Cote-du-Rhone for le Premier Cask Ale at their official events.

David Grant, general manager of the internationally acclaimed Moorhouses Brewery in Burnley, has made the plea in a letter to the regions local authorities on behalf of craft brewers.

In a bid to raise the profile of cask-conditioned beer - said to be in decline by market pundits - he is aiming to see northern real ale offered at formal council gatherings throughout Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside.

Father-of-two David (45), who is also northern chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) said: "I am asking that cask ale be put on for civic occasions such as mayor makings, at least as an alternative to foreign wines

"Traditional cask ale is a unique part of our heritage and I firmly believe it should be celebrated at official British functions just as the French celebrate their wine. The variety of cask ale is infinite and, just like wine, can be matched with many different foods."

David, a Scout leader with the Holcombe 5th at Ramsbottom added: "Independent brewers throughout the North of England make significant contributions to local economies. We should have better support from our local authorities. Serving cask beer at these functions would provide a terrific shop window for craft brewers.

"I am appealing to all the North West councils to get firmly behind local brewers."

Moorhouses beers have enjoyed both national an international acclaim in recent years.

The brewer supplies hundreds of free house pubs across the region.