THE big issue of the day was the 'dodgy dossier' on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, but in East Lancashire a much bigger debate was brewing.

Tony Blair's press spokesman Alastair Campbell sparked controversy when he accused people in Blackburn of being 'soft' Horlicks drinkers, compared to Burnley folk, who prefer Bovril!

Donna McKenzie went to find out if there was any truth in his comments...

BLACKBURN MP, Foreign Secretary and Rovers fan Jack Straw described the "dodgy dossier" on Iraq's weapons as a "complete Horlicks".

But the real row began when, in answering a Commons select committee question from Hyndburn MP and Rovers supporter Greg Pope, life-long Burnley fan Alastair Campbell said: "You support Blackburn and maybe you drink Horlicks down there, but down the road in the rather less effete Burnley I think they would probably say it's a storm in a teacup. Or Bovril."

Horlicks was first marketed in 1883 as suitable for infants and invalids because of its health-boosting ingredients to benefit the less strong.

The term 'complete Horlicks' came about from the idea that when the powder is mixed with milk or water it leaves a terrible mess at the bottom of the cup.

But Blackburn cafe owner Rizwan Ali says Blackburn people are now strong and full of life because of drinking Horlicks.

Rizwan, boss of Hartley's Cafe, Northgate, said: "The suggestion by Alastair Campbell is ridiculous. I have never heard anything so absurd."

Mr Ali said the traditional drink was most popular with middle-aged and older customers, but the cafe's 'special malted coffee' (Horlicks, coffee, cream and cinnamon) is in demand with all age groups.

He said: "I don't mind a nice cup of Horlicks myself on a cold winter's night but the malted coffee has helped to bring it into the new millennium. People in Blackburn are generally very warm hearted, strong and lively people which is caused by the Horlicks they drink.

"But nobody has ever asked us for Bovril no matter where they are from."

Even over in Burnley, it seems cafes do not sell Bovril.

But Neil Sledding, 32, of Briercliffe Road, said: "I drink Bovril every night before bed and my 18-month-old son William is also partial to it. I think it's true what has been said by Alastair Campbell. Bovril seems to be a tough man's drink."

Brenda Jenkins, 51, of Brunshaw Road, Burnley, said: "I think it is true that people living in Blackburn are perhaps more feeble than us Burnley folk and if that's because we drink Bovril then so be it."

Mr Pope said he prefers diet Coke, adding: "Thankfully Alastair's evidence was a lot more credible than Burnley's defence.

"They have obviously been drinking too much Horlicks and were asleep for most of last season!"