A PUB has backed Chubby Brown and Journey South’s World Cup football anthem by launching a real ale.

Denise Oddy, licensee of The Golden Lion, in Helperby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said its Alternative England brew had been selling as fast as it could be produced as excitement builds over the song ahead of the tournament.

She said regulars were hoping Hopes Of A Thousand Men, which was adapted from a 1981 pop hit by Thirsk musician Robin Ward, would overcome competition from Gary Barlow’s official World Cup song Greatest Day.

She said: “It’s definitely the best-selling beer in the pub, where we like to support local talent.”

Mr Ward said interest in the song had accelerated since the England squad was announced and the track had been played on numerous radio stations, including in the US.

After visiting the pub to officially launch the beer, Journey South judged a World Cup-theme school dinner menu competition at St Peter’s Primary School in the village.

Singer Andy Pemberton said the Teesside duo had high hopes for their collaboration with the veteran comedian, who lives near Northallerton.

He said: “All of our sons really enjoy singing along to it and you can really imagine it being sung on the terraces.”