The ownership of the Burton Bridge brewery has changed hands in a merger which also ensures the future of the town’s Heritage brewery.

The deal sees Burton Bridge come under the umbrella of leisure company Planning Solutions, which previously ran the National Brewery Centre in Burton, prior to Molson Coors’ decision to close it.

With that closure, Planning Solutions retained the Heritage brewery brand which had been established within the National Brewery Centre site by brewer Steve Wellington.

Since the former Bass Museum’s controversial closure by Molson Coors, the beers had been brewed under contract by Burton Bridge on Bridge Street.

Burton Bridge founders Geoff Mumford and Bruce Wilkinson, both past retirement age, had been looking to find a buyer for their company for almost seven years

Michael Stickland, former operator of the National Brewery Centre and new owner of Heritage brewery said: “I am thrilled to witness the union of two great businesses. This merger opens doors to new opportunities and sets the stage for innovation in the brewing landscape. Watch this space for exciting developments."

Burton Bridge brewer Al Wall said: “There have been such great foundations at Burton Bridge. Standing on the shoulders of giants. I feel I can make some truly great beer and have many ideas for upcoming special releases, revisiting more historical styles and bringing back some old favourites.”