A BREWERY is creating new jobs after support from a business scheme.

Camerons, in Hartlepool, says it will invest in its bottling plant to create an initial 12 full-time positions, with a further three posts by 2016.

The brewer, founded in 1865, was helped by £150,000 funding from the Tees Valley Business Compass, which has secured £2.4m to deliver its Business Growth Investment Scheme.

Backed by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, it can be used to expand companies’ premises, buy equipment or upgrade research and development facilities.

However, firms must be creating new permanent jobs to qualify for a grant.

Chris Soley, Camerons’ director and general manager, said the funding will allow it to package about 10,000 bottles an hour.

He said: “Without the grant assistance, we would have been unable to finance the project and lost out on the opportunity to grow the business.

“Camerons is now the only remaining major independent family brewer in the North-East.

“As we approach our 150th anniversary, the addition of a bottling capability will allow the business to cement the site’s future long-term prosperity.”

The Tees Valley Compass is led by Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) local enterprise partnership, and Stephen Catchpole, TVU managing director, said: “Growth, sustainability and job creation are at the core of what this scheme is about.

“It’s encouraging to see how the funding has assisted Camerons.”

Businesses across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees are eligible to apply for the funding.

Camerons previously announced a partnership with Hartlepool United to become its official beer supplier and stand sponsor.