LANDLADIES Clare and Anna Bedford are to get even more experience at serving bottles, after the sisters found out they are both pregnant.

And rustling up a bottle for baby should be no problem for their partners - brothers Mark and Paul Innes - both are milkmen.

Anna, 30, has been landlady for eight years at Ye Olde Earl Grey, in Kyo, near Stanley, while her sister, Clare, 23, is in her fourth year as tenant licensee at the Hat and Feather Inn in Medomsley, near Consett.

Clare said: "I couldn't believe it when I found out that I was expecting at the same time as Anna.

"We've been close all our lives and always done things together - even dating Mark and Paul - so I suppose that this is just another thing to add to the list."

Clare met Mark 18 months ago, when they went on a double date with Anna and Paul. They hit it off straight away.

"I suppose some people might think that we're constantly competing, but nothing could be further from the truth," said Clare.

"I guess we're just really in tune with each other, and I'd like to think that when our bairns grow up they'll be the best of friends too."

The sisters are no strangers to the pub trade. Parents Johnny and Rose Bedford have run pubs in the North-East for almost 30 years.

Mr Bedford, who runs three bars in Swalwell, Gateshead, said: "I can't wait for the arrival of the two new pint-sized additions to the family - I'll be the proudest grandparent.

"There will be some celebrating in Consett when the kids are born - and one thing's for certain, there won't be a shortage of alcohol, or milk, to wet the babies' heads."

Anna is due in seven weeks' time, while Clare is expected to give birth in March.

"We are really pleased because they will be in the same year at school and can look after each other," said Clare