MP buys Wrexham Lager for £1

There are renewed hopes for the lager's future

A north Wales politician has made an eleventh hour bid to save the title of Britain's oldest lager by buying the brand name.

Danish brewing giants Carlsberg-Tetley have agreed to sell the Wrexham Lager brand to Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones, in three years time, in a £1 deal.

Martyn Jones has fought to save the brand

The name will stay in trust, providing a breathing space for the 118-year-old lager, as a new owner is sought.

This latest development follows the collapse of talks between Carlsberg-Tetley and a Wrexham consortium, who wanted to buy the brewery.

Mr Jones has been heavily involved in the negotiations since the Wrexham Brewery was closed in 2000.

The Danish firm's chief executive Colin Povey said: "All credit should go to Martyn Jones for his determination to keep the Wrexham lager project alive.

"I wish him success in his search for new backers, to help develop a viable business plan."

We are keen to support the future commercialisation of such a well known brand

Paul Roberts, Wrexham Council

Mr Jones said he was "delighted" with the latest development.

"I welcome Carlsberg-Tetley's commitment towards ensuring that this cornerstone of Britain's lager brewing heritage can survive.

"I will be actively seeking a new brewer, preferably with local connections, to offer Wrexham lager the possibility of a new beginning."

Wrexham Brewery

A group of businessmen wanted to buy Wrexham Lager and turn it into a heritage brewery but, despite extensive talks, an agreement could not be reached.

News that the brand could stay in the town has renewed hopes over the future of the historic brand.

Wrexham Council's Chief Economic Development Officer Paul Roberts said: "I am delighted that Martyn Jones has been able to save the brand name of Wrexham Lager which is clearly part of Wrexham's rich heritage.

"We are keen to support the future commercialisation of such a well known brand in any way we can although it is disappointing that recent efforts have not succeeded."

The drink has been brewed in Leeds since the company shut the Wrexham brewery.

Thirty five jobs were lost, ending a 120-year tradition in the town.