A BREWERY in Dorset has been shortlisted for a head-to-head battle of the beers to win a multi-million pound deal to supply Morrisons stores.

Hall and Woodhouse Brewery in Blandford St Mary is among 16 regional brewers from across the UK in the final. The brewer’s Leaping Legend Beer has stiff competition with the likes of a brew from ska band Madness in the mix.

The initiative follows a customer project by the supermarket that revealed increased popularity for craft beers and people wanting to support local British brewers.

Customers will vote with their taste-buds and wallets to raise a glass to local star brews and to the regional brewery that will be given the game-changing opportunity to get beers in front of over 11 million customers a week.

The winning brewery will receive shelf space nationwide, and the runners up will be stocked in local stores.

Morrisons beer buyer, John Morris, said: “The local brewing revolution and craft beer craze with its bolder flavours and eye-catching packaging is changing mainstream beer-drinking tastes.”

“Customers have been telling us that they are keen to try locally brewed beers from around the country and now they have their chance to vote with their palates and give local brewing talent their chance to perform on a national stage.”