A COUNTRY pub has taken the European Union referendum into its own hands by offering an ‘in’ and ‘out’ beer for its customers.

It comes as the campaign in East Lancashire hots up, with a major debate planned in Clitheroe.

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The Waddington Arms, in Waddington, owned by Bowland Brewery, will keep both of the beers on tap until polling day, on Thursday, June 23.

James Warburton, owner of the brewery, said the idea was a ‘bit of fun’, but the pub would be remaining neutral throughout the campaign.

He said: “We were asked by someone in favour of the Brexit camp, to put on an ‘out’ beer.

“We thought this would have been too political, but if we put on an ‘in’ beer, we would remain impartial.

“Both are side by side at the bar and we are hoping to get our own poll of how much beer is sold.

“As it stands, the ‘leave’ beer has sold slightly more, but it is still early days and we think the ‘stay’ beer will catch up.

“We wanted to take a slightly different approach to something that is in the news every day.

“The decision will have a big impact on our future and we want to get people involved in another way.

“It’s a bit of fun, but it has got people talking about it.”

It is understood there will be a high-profile visit to East Lancashire from both parties in the next few weeks.

A member of the Brexit campaign is set to visit Ribble Valley this Thursday.

A spokesman from the Remain campaign said its visitor could not be disclosed at this time.

Organised by the Ribblesdale Rotary Club and Lancaster Trust, two representatives from each side will be discussing the vote at the EU Referendum debate, which will take place at The Grand on Wednesday, June 15, at 7pm.

These include Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, former secretary of state, Edwina Currie, Longridge councillor, Ken Hind, and Bolton West MP Chris Green, Cllr Hind said: “We are all grateful to Rotary and the Lancaster Trust for making available this opportunity for debate.

“If you have a doubt and want to listen to all the arguments please come.

“We all promise an exciting evening and welcome the public participation.”

Tickets cost £3 and all profits will go to the Whalley and Billington Flood Action Group.