FORGET caffeine and chocolate - the latest energy boost comes in the form of a drink made from ants.

Unpalatable as it may seem, Asian mountain ants are ground up to make Ant, produced by InterContinental Brands, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and bottled in Middlesbrough.

Currently on trial with a handful of retailers, it could soon appear at corner shops, pubs and nightclubs throughout the North-East.

A spokeswoman for InterContinental said: "The interest has been immense, and we anticipate it being popular with people of all ages."

The ants used in the drink have been taken as a nutritional supplement in China for more than 3,000 years.

They are credited with improving people's sex lives and are ranked alongside more established remedies, such as ginseng.

Paul Burton, joint managing director of InterContinental, said: "Ant elixirs have become hugely popular among young adult consumers in cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Beijing, who have made them a virtual craze.

"This is a trend that could catch on in the West."

As well as ants, the drink contains passion fruit and lychees, and has a white grape, apple and lemon juice base.

For further information, visit the website at www.drinkant.com