BREWERY giant Thwaites is to launch a series of new beers to celebrate reaching the milestone of 200 years in business.

The firm, one of Blackburn's largest employers with 340 staff, has revealed the year of celebrations that will take place to commemorate its bicentenary.

Among the plans are several new beers - Double Century, a new signature beer, Wainwright's Fine Ale marking the work of Blackburn-born author Alfred Wainwright, Flying Shuttle Premium Ale to celebrate the cotton industry and Elma's Pound, marking the generosity of former company chairman Elma Yerburgh.

And Thwaites, also the official sponsor of Lancashire Cricket Club, has also announced a new partnership with the British Heart Foundation, fronted by former Emmerdale and Bad Girls actress Claire King, to raise money for the charity - chosen after several staff members were struck down with heart problems in recent years.

Brian Jenkins, sales and marketing director, said: "What 2007 is about is celebrating our heritage and links with East Lancashire and in particular Blackburn. It's also about looking forward. What the family were very keen about was celebrating the 200 years but also about moving forward.

"Moving our pubs forward, our brand forward and also our people. "

Thwaites was founded on June 10 1807, and now has more than 420 pubs and sells beer to more than 1,000 further venues.

The company is one of the top ten UK brewers and distributes as far afield as the Scottish borders, Wales and Birmingham. Thwaites' president, John Yerburgh, is a descendant of founder Daniel Thwaites.

As part of the celebrations the company logo, famously featuring two shire horses, has been updated although it keeps the distinctive animals.

The new branding will be slowly introduced, first on new beers, then across the company over several years.

Double Century, the new flagship beer, will be introduced on tap from February, then in new bespoke, embossed bottles from March.

And soon a banner will be draped on the side of the famous Thwaites tower announcing the 200th anniversary, with a clock counting down the days until June 10.

But the firm is also keen to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. It will be encouraging both staff and customers to hold events to help.

Brian Hickman, managing director, said: "We wanted something which would be perfect for our employees. Sadly we have lost a few company members to heart attacks prematurely over the last few years in particular.

"It became an obvious choice for us and it was a unanimous vote for the British Heart Foundation.

Television star Claire King said: "My grandfather had a bad heart. One of my best friends who worked at Yorkshire TV when I was on Emmerdale suffered a stroke about five or six years ago. I have seen how it affects people's lives.

"I hate the word, celebrity, but if you can raise the profile of a charity then why shouldn't you?"

And Penny Hamer, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "There is a history with this company and it's something that is really really close to the staff. That is why they chose us and it will make such a big difference to the work that we do."