PUBS throughout the region are taking part in a competition to find the best games teams.

First prize in the Pubmaster Pub Challenge is for a landlord and customers to fly to the US for a holiday.

The knock-out tournament is based on traditional pub games. Thousands of customers will compete against each other at darts, dominoes and shove ha'penny.

Pubmaster regional manager Paul Hutchinson said: "The pub challenge is designed to promote a sense of community across the Pubmaster estate and strengthen relations between landlord and customers.

"What it does is focus on the most important aspects of a pub - its ambiance, community spirit and fun.

"The competition is a great way for people within a community to meet and socialise while participating in a series of well-known and loved friendly pub games, with the ultimate prize of a trip away together."

Among the pubs in County Durham taking part are the Castleside Inn, Consett, the Rose and Crown, in Mickelton, Barnard Castle, the Red Lion, Shildon, and the Lord Nelson, Gainford.