LANCASHIRE drinkers are getting as better deal than those in other parts of the country, a survey reveals.

Drinkers in the south are forking out about £2.14 for a pint compared to the £1.91 paid by people in the North West.

But the North-South divide is said to be closing .

According to the survey the first time a pint of lager touched £2 was two years ago in the South East. But as more pubs break the £2 barrier customers get used to paying the price.

And although most pubs in Lancashire are currently charging less than £2 per pint, Bob Smith, landlord of the Walmsley, Queen Street, Great Harwood, admits that it will only be a matter of time before £2 is the norm.

Bob said: "We currently charge £1.90 for a pint of lager, but in 12 months time I am sure it will rise to £2.

"Some customers get annoyed with price increases, which is understandable, but we have to put up our prices in accordance with brewery price changes."

Olivia Poll, of the Sparrow Hawk, Church Street, Burnley, said: "We charge £1.95 for a pint of lager which most customers don't seem to mind, but I think when the price goes up to £2 drinkers will have something to say about it.

"We try and keep our prices reasonable so that people don't have to spend a fortune when they come out for a drink."