BEER drinkers seeking the "hair of the dog" can find it in the unlikely location of a greyhound stadium.

The Pelaw Grange track, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has become a haven for real ale enthusiasts.

Thanks to track manager Jeff McKenna's love of traditionally brewed beers, the stadium bar is fast earning a reputation for its range of real ales.

So much so, that it won the Club of the Year award from the Durham and District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), earlier this year.

Mr McKenna decided to add to the bar's renown for real ale and build on the success of the Camra accolade by staging a mini-beer festival. It began yesterday, as Mr McKenna pulled the first of many pints of oddly-named concoctions, mostly with a dog-related theme.

"We've gone for a mix of local breweries and some further afield, but carrying a dog's name. There will be some beers that will be new to many customers, but it's a chance to sample something different."

He said most bar trade remains greyhound-related, but there is a growing band of regulars visiting because of the excellent stock of real ale.

The festival runs from 11am to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm today; 11am to 3pm and 6.30pm to 11pm tomorrow, when there is a race meeting; and noon to 2pm on Sunday.

For further information, contact on 0191-410 2141.