BEERS lovers in Worcester have been welcoming the news they are paying less than the national average for their favourite tipples.

Figures released by the Good Pub Guide show that the price of a pint in the county is lower than many other places across the UK.

The average pint nationally now costs £3.60 - up by 13p on last year, according to the long-running pub guide which lists and rates public houses in the UK.

In Sussex the average was £3.82, in Hertfordshire £3.81, in the Scottish Islands £3.80, while in Surrey it is a whopping £4.40.

In comparison, county revellers are paying on average £3.38 for a beer at Worcestershire pubs.

Terry Clarke, landlord at the Royal Exchange, said he wasn't surprised with the news.

"In here the average is about £3.15, and we are hoping to bring the price down in the next few weeks," he said.

Jo Corbett, who works behind the bar at the King Charles House, said: "We haven't increased prices that much at all - in the past four years it (the average) has only increased by 10p.

"It is good value. People often question the cost of a round in here - asking if we have got it right."

Michael Plant, from Worcester said: "If it's a good pint you don't mind the price.

"It is not about the price - it is about the quality.

"It is good value round here really."

Simon Taylor added: "I'm happy to pay £3 a pint, if its a decent pint.

"Some places are over £4.50 round here, and we don't want that."