A CITY centre pub is backing a country-wide drive to encourage people to drink real ale.

The Market Tavern, in Durham's Market Place, is taking part in Cask Ale Week, which started on Monday and finishes tomorrow.

The campaign is being run by the 33-member Independent Family Brewers of Britain, to promote the wide range of cask brews available around the country.

The Market Tavern, part of the T and J Bernard group of pubs, already sells cask beers but is increasing its range for the week.

Licensee Katy Robson said: "Cask ale is part of our history and heritage. What better way to promote the craftsmanship, quality, passion and pride that goes into producing cask ale than to offer a range of ales which are full of flavour and colour.'