A NEWTON business has launched Lancashire's own brand of tea - and rekindled the War of the Roses!

Lancashire Tea is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Lynn Hitchen and Paul Needham.

It operates from a new 10,000 sq ft production and storage facility based on the Deacon Trading Estate, in Earlestown.

The factory can make 2,000 bags of Lancashire tea a minute.

And in only a few weeks, the tea has been snapped up by leading supermarkets including Asda, Booths and Londis.

Mr Needham said: "We came up with the idea four years ago on a train to London for the annual tea trade dinner.

"There has been a historic rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire since the War of the Roses and we decided it was about time Lancashire followed in Yorkshire's footsteps with its very own tea."

The duo have more than 40 years' experience working in the tea and manufacturing industry.

Mrs Hitchen said: "We wanted to give the people of Lancashire their own branded and superior quality tea.

"Lancashire Tea is made from the finest leaves and infuses instantly to produce a bright golden liquor and a smooth subtle taste.

"With Lancashire Tea, tea drinkers will enjoy a cup of tea the way it should be."