A BREWERY in Reading got a double whammy of success in an international beer competition thanks to a French lager.

Scottish Courage's Berkshire Brewery in Worton Grange struck twice at the 2004 Brewing Industry International Awards.

The company's Kronenbourg 1664 grabbed the ultimate medal in the Class 2 Premium Draught Lager category of the awards' International Lager Competition before being voted Champion Draught Beer.

Production director Simon Jackson said: "The win represents the pinnacle of brewing achievement.

"The Berkshire Brewery celebrates its 25th anniversary in November and winning a gold medal in the world's top brewing competition really is a formidable way to mark our silver jubilee year"