BEER enthusiasts last night urged shareholders in Lake District brewer Jennings to block an agreed £45.8m takeover by Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) claimed the deal could cut choice and cause the closure of Jennings' brewery in Cockermouth, Cumbria.

Jennings also operates about 40 pubs in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

W&D, which yesterday said it had agreed the takeover with Jennings' directors, insisted it would keep the brewery open and expand its business.

A W&D spokesman said: "We are absolutely committed to the brewery because we think it's a strong brand and we want to develop it."

W&D has offered to pay investors 430p per share for Jennings, which it said would fit well with its existing pub estate.

Jennings runs 128 pubs across the north and brews a range of traditional beers, including Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter and Cocker Hoop.

W&D owns the Pitcher & Piano bar chain and the regional Bostin' Locals and Service That Suits Me pub chains.

It also brews Banks', Hanson's and Mansfield beers in Wolverhampton and Marston's Pedigree ale in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

The Midlands brewer said there would be some job cuts among Jennings' 78-strong staff in Cockermouth.

But it said it recognised the "strong and rich heritage of the Jennings brewery operations, its excellent reputation and the local appeal of the beer brands".

Camra said it believed Jennings was better off staying independent. W&D's positive attitude to the Cockermouth brewery could change if the market took a downturn, the campaign group said.