The company already runs a commercial fleet dominated by vehicles bearing the famous three-pointed star and has just taken delivery of a new Mercedes Sprinter 'technical support' unit.

The Long-bodied, high-roofed 311CDI panel van replaces a four-year-old flat-bed model that had clocked up nearly 200,000 trouble-free miles, delivering to Moorhouse's estate of six pubs and up to 500 customers from Carlisle to Birmingham.

Like its predecessor, the latest van arrived via Blackburn dealer Ciceley Commericials, which also supplied the company's two 7.5-tonne Mercedes Atego curtainside trucks.

The new Sprinter mostly carries bar equipment and was recently seen at the Northern Restaurant and Bar Show at Manchester's GMEX centre, where its eye-catching vinyl body wrap caused quite a stir. It is also used for occasional weekend deliveries.

"Our previous Sprinter was incredibly reliable," declares Moorhouse's Brewery Managing Director David Grant. "We ran at full weight every day and the vehicle was worked extremely hard, but virtually the only thing we had to do to it was replace the brake pads every now and then.

"The new van won't be doing as many miles – perhaps 60,000 a year – but a big factor in deciding to stick with Sprinter was the peace of mind we get from its market-leading, three-year, unlimited mileage warranty."

The brewery is also expecting delivery of a curtainsided 26-tonne Mercedes Axor truck, which it will lease from Ryder plc.

"I'm very happy with my Mercedes vehicles," adds Mr Grant. "I've considered other manufacturers but none can touch Mercedes-Benz when it comes to reliability and after sales service."

Moorhouse's is currently investing £3 million on quadrupling production capacity and creating a new visitors' centre, training school for publicans and brewing school at its Accrington Road site.

Famous for its internationally acclaimed, cask-conditioned 'Pendle Witches' ales, the company is also launching new products in North America following substantial domestic growth in recent years. Two new bottled beers – Blond Bitch and English Owd Ale – have recently been developed for the US market. Existing award-winning brands Black Cat and Pendle Witches Brew have also been imaginatively re-packaged for the sales offensive.