BLACKBURN-based brewers Thwaites has taken over one of Britain's best-known cask ales - the Lancaster Bomber.

The brewery has struck a deal with Mitchells of Lancaster to keep the ale in production and hopes to re-launch the brew this week.

Mitchells decided three years ago to concentrate on pub ownership and halted their brewery operations, putting the Bomber's future on the line.

But Thwaites came to the rescue and Thwaites managing director Paul Winter said the company was "delighted".

"It is great to bring Bomber on board.

"Mitchells were very concerned about the future of their best-known beer but we take it as a compliment that they have chosen us. We are very committed to cask ales so the Bomber is in safe hands."

The beer was dubbed the "beer brewed for a mission" when it was first launched in June 1994 as a commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of D-Day.

Dermot McCarthy, managing director of Mitchells, said: "Thwaites is a brewery of great tradition and it is wonderful that two such famous Lancashire family businesses should get together in this way.

"We are delighted to see it back in business."

Thwaites Lancaster Bomber will also be available in bottles from this summer.