DRINKERS in Hereford have been supping a heavenly brew and helping to save their cathedral at the same time.

Hereford Cathedral Bitter was launched during the city's Oktoberfest, in October this year.

Ten pence from every pint bought goes towards the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust to help with its restoration.

So far, well over £500 has been raised.

The money will go towards the final phase of the £1.2m restoration of the eastern end of the Cathedral's Lady Chapel.

Jim Keynon, landlord of the Victory Pub and owner of the well-known Spinning Dog Brewery, which makes the beer, joined the Dean of Hereford, the Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, to view the good work recently.

Together they climbed the scaffolding around the Lady Chapel, on Thursday, December 12, to take a bird's-eye peak at the work funded through sales of the bitter.

Glyn Morgan, trust secretary, said he hoped the work on the seven-year project could be completed by Easter 2004.

"We are delighted that over the past few months so many glasses were raised in toast to the Cathedral," he said.

"I am sure that Hereford Cathedral will play a full part over the coming festive season."

The specially-brewed Hereford Cathedral Bitter will continue to be sold at the Victory pub and at various pubs around Hereford over the New Year and during the beginning of 2003.