A PLAN that has been brewing for more than three years to produce a popular ale locally was realised this week when the Blackpool Brewery Company started production.

Locals' favourite tipple Blackpool Bitter has been brewed in Barnsley, Yorkshire, for the last three years -- but this week saw it come home in grand style.

Director of the company, Kean Brown - pictured opening a bag of hops - said his premises on George Street, Blackpool, have been used as a storage and distribution centre for the beer while it was brewed in Yorkshire.

But all the while he was investing money in brewing equipment. He said: "It has taken a while but after three years we are fully capable of brewing the beer here, which was the aim right from the start."

This week saw production switch to Blackpool for good -- and Kean was hopping with delight. He said: "We were selling between 15-20 barrels a week when the bitter was brewed in Barnsley, but now we're doing it ourselves we have the capacity to produce around 80 barrels a week."

And to celebrate "bringing it all back home", Kean said they are launching a brand new beer alongside Blackpool Bitter.

The as-yet-unnamed ale is in the final stages of production but it just goes to show that when Kean gets going, there are definitely no half measures!