NINETEEN people have been made redundant at a North-East brewery after the company lost a major distribution deal.

Camerons Brewery, near Hartlepool, announced the job losses yesterday.

The news comes almost 12 months after the take-over of Camerons Lion Brewery by Castle Eden, which, at the time, was supposed to safeguard the plant's 130 jobs.

A spokesman for the brewery said: "As a result of losing a major distribution contract, Camerons Brewery has regrettably been forced to make 19 employees redundant.

"All the jobs affected are within the distribution department and every effort is being made to ensure that the employees affected receive the best advice and support available.

"The job losses became a reality following the announcement that Wolverhampton and Dudley were withdrawing their distribution contract, including Camerons products, from the Lion Brewery and transferring the business to Mansfield."

David Soley, managing director of Camerons Brewery, said the setback will not affect other employees.

He said: "No other areas of the company are affected and Camerons will continue to concentrate on its strategy of becoming a major independent regional brewery."

Camerons produces traditional brands including Camerons Strongarm and Creamy bitters, Scorpion lager and Castle Eden ale, Trophy Special, Best Scotch and Nimmo's XXXX.