BOSSES at a brewery saved by a mystery investor say they will "change direction a little" to survive in a competitive market.

The rescue package removes the uncertainty over the future of Bishops Lydeard's Quantock Brewery, which had recently gone into administration.

It also secures the jobs of the six staff based at the premises on Broadgauge Business Park.

Sales manager Mike Rigby said: "We've had a close shave, but now we can keep going and expand.

"We've got an investor - not a local person. Some people approached us because they could see the potential here.

"If people appreciate what we do and like our beers, we need their support - come and buy a beer, have a drink in the bar, ask your landlord to stock our beers."

Quantock Brewery, which has scooped numerous awards over the years, has been hit by pub closures, including the recent demise of the Merry Harriers, in Clayhidon, Cotford St Luke's The Chapel, and the Farmers Arms, in Combe Florey.

While it mainly supplies pubs within 60 miles, it has wholesale customers in Cumbria and London, sells 54 casks a week to Wetherspoons for three months a year and has signed a deal with a national supermarket.

Directors Rob Rainey and Cheryl Ford set up the firm in Wellington in December 2007, with the first brew three months later.

Mr Rainey said: "We started the business from nothing and it takes a number of years to get known and established and build up a name.

"We need to turn over £400,000 a year to make any money and we were personally putting money into the business to keep it going.

"We're going to have to change direction a little because the cask beer market is so competitive.

"We're not going to give up, but we're moving into craft keg and craft bottle beer, opening up a whole new market, along with more emphasis on the shop and brewery tap, as well as more events and beer festivals."

Ms Ford said: "Our beer speaks for itself.

"We've probably won more awards than any other brewery in the South West in the last few years, but we're going to have to look further afield because of the diminishing number of pubs.

"We've got six workers and we even expect to take on more staff."

Quantock Brewery has a strong relationship with neighbouring West Somerset Railway, attending its galas, while it is brewing a beer for the arrival of the Flying Scotsman later this year.

It opens its brewery tap on Friday nights and on Saturdays.

The firm's signature beer is Wills Neck, while other popular tipples include Quantock Ale, Quantock Stag, Plastered Pheasant and Ginger Cockney.