AS pub cuisine goes, the pickled walnut could easily be considered the poor relation of the mighty roasted peanut or classic pork scratching.

But one landlord has gone to great lengths to demonstrate his preference for the delicacy.

While much of the region has been transfixed by the rising water levels, vinegar levels are the talking point in Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire.

Regulars at the village's New Inn pub have claimed a world first, by launching the Thornton-le-Dale Pickled Walnut Society.

The bizarre idea came about after months of heated dispute over who was the perfect pickler, and a showdown competition to settle the matter.

Aptly-named landlord John Nutter said: "It was just typical bar talk that got it started and it is quite novel really."

The appreciation society, which attracted 60 members to its first meeting, has further walnut-related ideas in mind, including establishing an annual competition.

New Inn head chef Ian Valentine, said: "I came across pickled walnuts a few years ago in some of the London clubs, but it is the first time I have seen them up here. It is certainly the first time I've ever come across a pickled walnut society."

Mr Nutter says his regulars' penchant for acquired tastes could scale greater heights, with a few harbouring even more unusual ideas. "They were talking about pickled mushrooms at one stage," he said