IT was set up as a co-operative to brew cheap beer for the working classes in the dark days after the First World War.

But now Tyneside's Federation Brewery is about to break into the world's biggest economy.

The Gateshead brewer has started to export beers across the Atlantic to the US where drinkers across the country are enjoying two Federation brands.

Northumbrian Brown Ale - developed exclusively for the North American market - and a repackaged version of its popular Angel Ale is on sale across the US.

To spearhead its launch, the company is using two of the area's most famous landmarks on its labels - the Angel of the North and Bamburgh Castle.

Federation has signed a distribution deal with Chicago company Weinbauer.

Carole Beverley, marketing manager at the brewery, said: "This was an ambitious project for the Federation, but one that has been a great success, with two of our most famous landmarks playing a very important part.

"We have spent a long time working with partners in the North-East and US, developing products and packaging for a precise US market segment, and the exceptional response shows how successful we have been.

"The US is a potentially huge market for us and on the strength of current performance, one that will bring real dividends to everyone in the company."