THERE was once a song about a pub with no beer, but a beer with no name has now gone on sale in aid of a medical charity.

Officials of the Great North Air Ambulance hope the brew will bring a potent boost to their fundraising efforts.

It was brewed for the cause by Nick Stafford, of Hambleton Ales at Holme-on-Swale, and a percentage of all sales will go to the charity.

It is being sold on draught and in bottles at pubs across the region but GNAA area manager John Everson said there was a dilemma. "We're scratching our heads over a name and are asking the public to send us their suggestions."

Closing date is next Friday and the winner, who must be over 18, will get a tour of Hambleton Ales and samples of the beer. Entries should be sent to Name Our Beer, Great North Air Ambulance, Imperial Centre, Grange Road, Darlington DL1 5NQ.

Potential customers cannot miss the new brew because pumps and bottle labels carry a large question mark. Drinkers can pick up forms on which to send in suggestions.

The beer has been officially launched by GNAA chief executive Grahame Pickering and Mr Stafford at the Tithe bar and brasserie in Northallerton. Mr Everson said: "We hope all enjoy our new beer, bearing in mind the drink-drive message, particularly at this time of year.