A BEER brewed in tribute to Bolton steeplejack Fred Dibnah can now be enjoyed by the most powerful people in the country.

Flat Cap, brewed by Astley Bridge brewery Bank Top, is now on the pumps in The Strangers Bar, the watering hole frequented by MPs and their guests at Parliament.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby arranged for Bank Top’s popular ale to be stocked as part of Westminster’s drive to get more local ales on tap.

Bewery owner Dave Sweeney said: “The opportunity came about because me and David used to work together many years ago.

“He chose the political path but we have kept in touch and he approached me a couple of weeks ago.

“I am delighted it is in the bars in Parliament and hopefully the powers that be might taste the quality of cask ale and appreciate the contribution that small, independent breweries make.”

Mr Sweeney has now invited MPs to his brewery.

He added: “I would be more than happy to have any of the top MPs up here at our place to discuss one or two points about the industry and share with them some of the successes that we have had.”

Mr Crausby said: “I am really delighted Bank Top is being served in the bar and it seems to be going down very well.

“We have quite a few big beer drinkers down here that appreciate a good ale and it does appear to be going quite quickly.

“Strangers Bar is very popular because it leads out onto the House of Commons terrace so I do not think it will last very long on the pumps.”

The brewery, founded in 1995, has a core range of 10 beers and has enjoyed critical acclaim over the past few years, leading to the purchase of its first pub, The Brewery Tap, formerly the Carter’s Arms, in Belmont Road, Bolton.