A RETIRING pub landlord has brewed up a last batch of beer before he calls time on his career.

Paul Conroy is leaving the Grey Horse pub in Consett, County Durham, after 15 years.

The business, in Sherburn Terrace, which he runs with his wife, Rosaleen, also includes the Derwentrose micro-brewery.

Mr Conroy bought it in 1989 and has built up a region-wide reputation for real ales.

He launched a beer festival in 1998, which regularly attracted more than 400 real ale enthusiasts who drank about 2,000 pints.

Last year, locals voted the pub the best in the Tyne-Tees area in the Abbot Ale Perfect Pub awards, run by Greene King.

To mark their retirement, Mr Conroy has brewed up a farewell beer, which he named The Last Noel.

The couple are retiring to their home in nearby Shotley Bridge, along with their six-year-old dog, Paddy, a favourite with regulars.

The family pet has twice been honoured with beers named after him -Paddy's Nightmare and Paddy's Delight.

Paddy's name is gracing a third and final ale to allow him to say goodbye to drinkers, called Paddy's Going Too.