snail racing looks unlikely to gain a foothold in the North-East, where football and racing rule the sporting roost.

The Irish pub chain O'Neill's hit on the idea as a way of keeping customers entertained, following on from the Guinness TV advert in which a snail ends up supping stout from a pint glass.

But last night, at the company's pub in Durham City, a snail race meeting provoked curiosity, but no great interest.

Four snails, which were otherwise destined to end up as part of someone's meal, were sent to the pub by O'Neill's public relations people.

Just two races were held and both produced clear winners, although the other molluscs did not seem interested.

The four snails were probably the biggest winners of the night.

"We decided to release them into the garden at the back of the pub," said manager Michelle Cupples