Workers are to put forward an alternative to proposals to move the production of Boddingtons beer out of Manchester.

The firm's owners Interbrew want to move the majority of production to Preston and South Wales.

Tony Woodley, Deputy General Secretary of the TGWU, is visiting the Strangeways brewery to discuss the rescue package put together by staff.

The beer, famously advertised by former model Melanie Sykes, was promoted by Boddingtons as the "cream of Manchester".

It is very clear that the people of Manchester want to keep their beer in their city

Tony Woodley TGWU

Interbrew says it needs to save �3.5m and shed 80 jobs.

Workers have launched a campaign, and will present a plan to management, to try to keep production in the city.

Mr Woodley said: "I know the strength of feeling on this campaign, and it is very clear that the people of Manchester want to keep their beer in their city.

"While I'm pleased to support the campaign in general, I want to see what I can do with the company and I very much hope we can meet."

Part of the plans put forward by workers includes more flexible working to cut costs.