A BLACKBURN brewery has had its bid to supply the local council rejected for the third time.

Councillors' decision to turn down the chance to sell Thwaites at King George's Hall was today described as 'disappointing' by a boss at the company.

Thwaites, based at the town centre Star Brewery, was rejected by Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses, who instead awarded a five-year contract to John Smiths North.

The venue is used for concerts, conferences and council events and a contract to provide drinks is potentially very lucrative. The decision follows two previous attempts by Thwaites to secure the contract.

Brian Jenkins, Thwaites' sales and marketing director, said: "It is not our policy to discuss individual deals in public, but we can confirm that we have been unsuccessful for a third time in trying to secure Blackburn with Darwen Council as a new trading account. That is an obvious disappointment."

While Mr Jenkins refused to criticise the council, it is understood that many at Thwaites were angered when they found out the contract had gone to John Smiths.

Council executive member for culture and leisure, Coun Dorothy Walsh, said: "The contract to supply beer, wines and spirits to King George's Hall is widely advertised and applications from local, as well as international companies, are considered.

"In order to provide the best value possible to all of our citizens, a range of factors are taken into consideration, including price and any long-term benefits when awarding the contract."

Margo Grimshaw, a Blackburn pub and club owner, said: "You would think that the council would try to get the town moving forward by giving its businesses a helping hand. Instead they give jobs to a firm outside the town."

Conservative group leader at the council, Coun Colin Rigby, said: "The bottom line is that someone at Thwaites pitched at the wrong price."