BREWERS Thwaites have raised a glass in support of a national energy efficiency campaign.

The Blackburn based brewery has made a corporate commitment to the Government's campaign to improve environmental performance.

And Thwaites have appointed utilities engineer Cliff Bradshaw to spearhead the project, which is being run through the Energy Efficiency Office. "Energy management covers every single area of our operation and we expect to make significant savings," said Mr Bradshaw.

"The pleasing aspect is that the workforce is keen to help.

"We have already had a couple ideas put forward and our employees are tuned in with our objectives."

The company has invested in state-of-the-art computerised monitoring equipment designed to cut out water waste through accidental spillage as part of the drive.

Blackburn MP and Shadow Home Secretary Jack Straw visited the brewery to see the progress already made.

He said: "It is most encouraging to see a company putting such efforts into making these moves.

"They are to be applauded and I hope many others follow their lead."

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