A BIG breakthrough into the lucrative German beer market was made by Blackburn independent family brewery, Daniel Thwaites and Company Limited, it was reported in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Thwaites, who were brimming with pride after winning the Sunday Mirror award for Britain's Best Beer, have signed a reciprocal deal with Lindener Gilde-Brau, of Hannover, Germany.

The deal agreed that Lindener would distribute Thwaites beer in Germany and Thwaites would do the same for the German brewery in the UK.

Thwaites agreed to distribute the brewery's low carbohydrate 'Diat Lager' in the North West of England.

The lager was due to be brewed in Germany and shipped and bottled in the UK.

Front seated, left to right, JD Kay (Thwaites Sales Director) Herr Max Pelikan (Joint Managing Director, Lindener Gilde-Brau) Mr J Snelgrove (Thwaites Export Manager)

Back row standing, left to right, Robert Wells (Lindener Gilde-Brau's UK Agent), Mr Greville Hacking (Thwaites Company Secretary), Mr Alan Gregson (Thwaites Production Director)

The photograph was taken in Thwaites' boardroom of the two companies signing the deal.