A KEY £4m funding deal, by Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Merseyside, will fuel the latest expansion plans for pubs group Amber Taverns and create about 300 jobs.

Blackpool-based Amber already operates a portfolio of around 70 pubs across the North West, North East and Midlands, including houses in Runcorn, Warrington and Southport.

Its expansion included the purchase of 28 pubs previously owned by Liverpool brewer Cains prior to its 2008 administration.

The new funding, together with £1m from Amber’s majority shareholder LGV Capital, will enable the business to open 30 more pubs over the next two or three years.

Amber targets closed or troubled pubs within communities for refurbishment and conversion to purely wet sales-led growth.

Amber chairman Clive Preston said: “We have demonstrated time after time that good wet-led pubs are a sound investment and provide a valuable local amenity.”

Tim Rigg, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets area director, Merseyside, North Wales and West Lancashire added: “The provision of this latest funding facility demonstrates the bank’s commitment to supporting strong businesses in the north of England with appropriate finance.”