ENJOYING a couple of pints of lager with a few mates down the local isn't so unusual.

But throw in three security guards and a ride home in the back of a private helicopter and you have the makings of a right Royal night out.

On Tuesday night, Prince Harry visited a pub and club in Yarm.

But a gaggle of hopeful girls were left disappointed when the Household Cavalry officer failed to hit the dancefloor, although -tantalisingly for them -his appearance did coincide with singles night down at the The Keys nightclub, known as the Claggy Mat.

Twelve hours later, and I was sitting in the very spot graced by the third in line to the throne in the Black Bull beer garden, supping a pint of his favoured lager, Carling.

News of the Prince's visit had spread like wildfire and was still the talk of the town yesterday.

It is believed he was in the region as part of his duties with the Army. The young Royal, who had left girlfriend Chelsy Davy at home, popped into the pub at about 9pm.

Assistant manager Andrew Lewis said at first he thought the Prince was just a lookalike -until he noticed his security guards.

He said: "I didn't believe it when I was told, but then I saw him. He walked in texting and had to dodge past a few people, but they did not notice.

"It was quite busy, so many people did not realise at first. They all seemed like very nice people and enjoyed themselves.

"He did not come to the bar himself, but he sat at the back of the beer garden and drank a pint of Carling.

"His security came over and said they just wanted a quiet drink.

"Prince Harry was very quiet and was no bother at all. People were very surprised to see him, but they let him be."

The pint glass he drank from was quickly acquired by a female drinker as soon as he left.

Harry and his 12 friends spent about 45 minutes in the Black Bull before they moved over the road to the club.

Manager Matt Marriot said: "People were hysterical with excitement.

"People were rushing up to me saying "Where is he, where is the Prince?" His security had a word with our doormen and asked him them to stop people taking mobile phone pictures.

"Everyone was warned as they came in that they would have their phones confiscated if they took a picture. He was drinking lager all night and didn't cause any trouble.

"After a while, his party moved from the bar area to the dance floor area. But much to the disappointment of the local girls, he didn't get up and have a boogie."

Harry was picked up by a private helicopter in the early hours of yesterday morning in a field on the outskirts of Yarm.

Mr Lewis said: "We are not expecting any more visits. It is back to normal for us now."