IT has everything the discerning drinker could possibly want - a back street boozer with a homely atmosphere.

The well-stocked bar is complemented by a one-armed bandit, TV, a music system and neon lighting.

As well as a range of beers, visitors may also sample alcopops and tuck into traditional pub fare of crisps and peanuts.

Even the police who raided the terraced house - acting on a tip-off that it was being used as an illegal drinking den at weekends - were impressed by the 'slick set-up'.

Armed with a warrant under the Licensing Act, officers found six members of the public drinking there.

More than 130 bottles and cans of alcopops and beers were seized, along with a quantity of cash and a cashbox.

But Nick Abraham, 29, who lives at the house in Dale Street, New Marske, with his partner, insisted he was doing nothing wrong.

Mr Abraham, a DJ and vehicle recovery driver, has been served with a closure notice.

He said: "I've had this bar in my house for two years. I invite my friends round and they bring drink and food. I was shocked when 11 officers, two riot vans and three police cars came to the door."

Police said they found a large bar filling almost the entire back part of the room and described the set-up as impressive, with optics, beer on tap, stools and even beer mats.

Insp Kevin Scott, of the Community Policing Team, added: "Despite our initial amusement at the slick set-up, we believe these premises may have been used for the illegal sale of alcohol and this is a very serious matter."

No-one has been arrested over the incident but inquiries are ongoing into the identity of those present in the house during the raid in the early hours of Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt Steve MacFarlane on (01642) 326326.