IT was the glare in his eyes that had me casting a backward glance to check the exact location of the exit door.

He looks like a friendly family pet, but according to licensees Richard and Jean Storey his tactics have done wonders for business.

For dare to venture into the Ship Inn without buying a drink and the sharp-eyed Jack Russell will swiftly signal his disapproval.

He will bare his teeth and growl - before sometimes pouncing and playfully nipping the ankles of any unsuspecting victim.

So this was the moment of truth. Sent to the pub in Guisborough, east Cleveland, with the express orders to tempt fate by NOT buying a drink under his watchful gaze.

My heart beat a little faster as he sat only a few yards away, simply staring at me - perhaps willing me to get a round in.

I honestly felt he was sizing up my ankles as he emitted a low growl - however, I was saved from having to bolt for the door by the timely hand of landlady Mrs Storey.

For she gently reached down and grabbed Jack's collar, assuring me that: "Once you get to know him, he's a loveable pet."

Whether that is also the verdict of window cleaners, postal workers and delivery drivers remains to be seen - but all the regulars love him.

Mr and Mrs Storey, who took over the Westgate hostelry four years ago, say that up until then, the six-year-old had shown no sign of growling or biting - in fact he was exceptionally kind to children and animals.

But after a couple of weeks of moving in, Jack quickly developed an aversion to non-drinkers.

His first victim was the postman, who arrived with a cheery hello, but quickly dumped the mail on the bar and sprang for the door as Jack went into action.

"Jack darted for the door in front of the postman and started growling and barking. He pounced on the postman's ankles in a true Jack Russell-style," Mrs Storey recalled.

"We couldn't believe it and had to run over and pick Jack up."

It wasn't until a few similar jaw-locking incidents that the family realised what was happening.

"He obviously wants people to buy a drink and when they don't he takes exception and barricades the door.

"He has definitely set the rules down here."