SCORES of pubs and clubs across the district could be opening early to allow customers to watch TV coverage of the World Cup.

More applications for early opening for key games in Japan and Korea involving England and Ireland are being granted by magistrates.

And more requests from pubs are being received by court officials on an almost daily basis.

The extra hours are being granted following a landmark High Court ruling which decreed the World Cup was a special event and pubs showing it on television would qualify for an extension.

Already up to two dozen pubs and clubs have won permission to serve alcohol from 7am for England's final group game against Nigeria on June 12 and for Ireland against Cameroon on June 1.

There will be 10am opening for England against Sweden on June 2 while the game with Argentina falls within normal licensing hours on June 7 at 12.30pm.

The latest to be granted extensions include the Eagles Nest , Yew Tree, Radcliffe Arms and The Sportsman in Kidderminster; Rising Sun, Swan Hotel and Boat Club in Stourport; Great Western, George Hotel and HRs caf bar in Bewdley; Red Lion at Cookley; Royal British Legion Club in Hartlebury; and New Inn at Upper Arley.