THE boss of Whitbread's brewing arm, which employs more than 600 at its Samlesbury site, has bought more than £23,000 of shares in the company.

Miles Templeman bought 5,000 Whitbread shares at £4.67, taking his total holding up to 27,705 shares.

The move comes as the share price is at its lowest point for the past year. It has been as high as £11.34.

Shares in brewing companies have been hit in recent months, partly by the belief by many investors that other stock market sectors such as telecommunications have better prospects.

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