A BREWERY in Burnley is bidding to take on the brawn of Budweiser and the cunning of Coors with the might of the Pendle Witches.

Real ale kings Moorhouse's is launching an assault on the American market, usually more famed for its lagers and bourbons than bitters and stouts.

The Moorhouse Street firm has been working on two new bottled beers - Blond Bitch and English Owd Ale - which master brewers hope will tickle trans-Atlantic tastebuds.

And old favourites like Black Cat and Pendle Witches Brew will also be revamped for the US market, according to bosses.

Brewery managing director David Grant has been learning the ropes Stateside and has made several fact-finding visits.

He was also picked to attend a prestigious marketing course at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management in Illinois.

Part of the scholarship scheme, backed by the Government, included spending a week with Chicago-based Louis Glunz Beer Inc, the oldest beer wholesaler in the United States.

Mr Grant said: "I have visited the States several times and we have a toe-hold there with our two established bottle brands.

"But we are now looking to substantially grow our business Stateside."

The Burnley brewery, first established in 1865 and family-run for decades, has already shown its marketing savvy.

Last December it became one of the first craft brewers to undertake a television promotional campaign.