PUB regulars will be raising a glass or two as a traditional German drinking festival is celebrated in the North-East.

The Oktoberfest, in the beer kellers of Munich, gives drinkers a chance to sample a wide range of beers.

Following the tradition, an Oktoberfest is being launched at JD Wetherspoon pubs in the North-East.

The Water House, in North Road, Durham, will be one of those taking part. Licensee Paul Romeanes said drinkers will be able to sample a range of different real ales.

"People who are keen to sample different beers will be in their element. There will be up to 24 different beers on offer at any one time during the next fortnight and we've fixed a set price of £1.29 a pint for all of them."

Mr Romeanes said among the early favourite tipples is Titanic Iceberg, a real ale from Bedfordshire. The pub is raising funds for the children's leukaemia charity Clic.