A £1.8million brewery distribution centre built to handle millions of pints a year has opened.

More than 50 staff are now based at the purpose-built Thwaites centre in Sett End Road, Shadsworth.

The distribution depot, built by Rossendale-based Hurstwood Developments, took nine months to complete.

"We are delighted with the centre - it has been a fast-track project and everything has gone to plan," said Thwaites' property director Malcolm Harrison. The centre, just yards from the M65, will also reduce congestion in Blackburn town centre.

"All our products will now be delivered from here and that amounts to around 220,000 barrels a year," said Thwaites distribution manager Brian Kinney.

"This new site will significantly assist our daily distribution operation to all parts of the country."

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