TWEETS by author JK Rowling have worked magic for brew company Lancashire Tea.

The St Helens-based firm was named by the writer of the Harry Potter series on social media website Twitter as her favourite cuppa.

She initially responded to a fan’s question about what her favourite brand of tea was, with the Tweet: "Lancashire Tea. I’m drinking it right now."

This was later followed up with a second Tweet from Rowling, who lives in Scotland, saying: "They sell Yorkshire tea up here but never found Lancs. I have to smuggle it over the border."

The company, based at Gerards Park in College Street, was started up in 2005 and employs eight people.

Director Paul Needham, who started the firm, said: “To get a glowing endorsement - not once, but twice - from such a mega star has been absolutely fantastic.

“We’ve been enjoying a month’s sales in a day! Staff have been turning in early to pack boxes for export.”

He added: “We’ve had our tea praised by two other celebrities - Carl Fogarty and Liz McClarnon - but that didn’t quite have this effect.”

Carl Fogarty was the 2014 winner of the world superbike champion and Liz McClarnon was a member of pop outfit Atomic Kitten and Celebrity MasterChef winner 2008.

Mr Needham, who has worked in the tea industry for more than 30 years, said: “It’s wonderful that people across the world are taking an interest in and buying our tea, but we also want the local support.

“We blend the tea specially to infuse with the waters of Lancashire - so it tastes better here than anywhere else!”

He describes the tea as refreshing and bright in colour. As well as the classic brew, Lancashire Tea also make Earl Grey, peppermint and Assam ranges.

JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books which follow the adventures of a schoolboy wizard and his friends. They were later made into a series of movies. She has since written novels for adults under the name Robert Galbraith.

Rowling’s Tweets about Lancashire Tea were written on February 6.
For information about the tea visit lancashiretea.co.uk.