BEER producers in the district are rubbing their hands with delight after the Chancellor slashed almost half the duty off a pint of beer produced by small breweries

However, the 14p reduction on a pint of beer is unlikely to be completely passed on to the customer.

Jack Atkinson, who runs Goose Eye Brewery in Keighley, said it would help small brewers deal with competition from the multi-nationals.

"It will help us invest more in the brewery and improve production and our working conditions," he said.

But Harry Brisland, pictured, who brews his own beer, Turkey bitter, at the Turkey Inn, in the hamlet of Goose Eye, near Keighley, said he expected to be able to pass on the saving to customers.

"I've been selling my beer at £1.70 a pint - I'm hoping to set the new price at £1.56 a pint.

"It will also help us be more competitive, especially against beer promotions from the big brewers," he added.

Chris Bee, of Dudley Hill-based Salamander brewery, reckons the reduction will be shared out between the small brewer, customer and landlord.

"Small breweries have had a hard time and the reduction in tax should be to help them," he said.

"It should not be to help the publican line his pockets or to make beer cheaper for the customer. But, realistically, I think all three will get a share."

It seems that Keighley brewer Timothy Taylor is too large to benefit from the tax cut.

A spokesman said the company did not expect the new tariff to impact on its business.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer said the Chancellor's decision to reduce the duty on a pint of beer was "wonderful news".