SHOPPERS were invited to sample different kinds of water as part of a national promotion yesterday.

To mark National Drink Water Day, Northumbrian Water and Asda in Peterlee organised a taste test. Shoppers were asked to sip tap and bottled water and guess which was which.

Everyone who took part was entered in a free draw to win a family leisure day at Kielder, Northumbrian Water's largest reservoir, or £50 of Asda vouchers.

The event was organised to raise awareness of the importance of drinking water, a lack of which can result in tiredness, bad circulation, high blood pressure, headaches, stress and indigestion.

To encourage Asda's 130 check-out operators to drink the recommended eight glasses a day, Northumbrian Water gave each one a sports bottle.

Cara Hall, of the water company, which was named best in the UK for 2001/02 by Ofwat, said: "Out of 46 people, 30 said they preferred tap water.

"We are proud of our product but if customers choose to drink bottled water, that's their personal preference."