KEIGHLEY MP Kris Hopkins has been praised by the Chancellor for his role in winning a further cut in beer duty.

George Osborne reduced the duty for a third consecutive year in last week's budget.

And he singled out Mr Hopkins and Burton MP Andrew Griffiths for their campaigning on the issue.

"I am proud to have played a role in delivering this cut," said Mr Hopkins.

"It will be welcomed not only by punters but also by the many brewers and community pubs which are so crucial to our economy."

He described the budget as "responsible, balanced and fair".

Mr Hopkins added: "When the Conservative-led Government came to power in 2010 our country and economy were on the floor but because we have stuck to our long-term economic plan, growth is now set to be 2.5 per cent higher this year with further strong growth forecast in each year of the next Parliament.

"We have a record number of people in work, record low inflation and wages significantly on the rise."