A DURHAM pub has found the ideal way to bring drinkers out of their shell - snail racing.

The O'Neill's Irish bar, in Claypath, is holding weekly race nights that are proving highly popular with its customers.

The races are based on the TV adverts for Guinness, and use specially-made model snails fitted to electric racing cars.

Competition winners can win free pints and Guinness merchandise such as T-shirts.

The pub's manageress Michelle Cupples said the racing nights had proved populars.

The pub chain's marketing manager Joe McGrath said: "The races are great fun and are a huge success. All customers need to do is slide on down to O'Neill's, register at the bar, and their names will be entered.''

The racing takes place on Tuesdays throughout February, starting at 8pm. Admission is free.