CUSTOMERS visiting a County Durham butcher tomorrow morning will be served by one of Britain's greatest sporting heroes.

Ian Botham will be helping out at Stuart McFarlane's butcher shop, in Barnard Castle.

The cricket legend, known as Beefy, is to spend an hour behind the counter.

His wife, Kathy, calls regularly to buy a large stock of beef and other meats to take to the family home at Ravensworth, near Barnard Castle, and the former Durham and England all-rounder sometimes calls himself.

After seeing a TV advert for British beef, in which cricketer Alan Lamb also appears, Mr McFarlane asked Mrs Botham if her husband would allow his name to be used to promote the shop, on the corner of Galgate and Horsemarket.

He agreed and also offered to visit for an hour.

Mr McFarlane, who owns the shop in partnership with his brother, Alastair, and their sister, Jane Holmes, said: "I am really delighted. Ian has said privately that he thinks our beef is the best in the area.

"It is wonderful that he has agreed to give us a boost publicly, and to spend an hour with us. We may get him helping to cut up some joints."

Mr Botham will not be paid an appearance fee, but the butcher will make a donation to a medical charity.