A BEER named after the former Consett Steelworks proved a hit with drinkers in the town.

Locals enjoyed their first taste of The Works, at the second annual Grey Horse Beer Festival, at the pub in Sherburn Terrace.

Landlord Paul Conroy, 54, brewed the cask-conditioned lager at the pub's own Derwentrose Brewery, specially for the festival.

Hundreds of drinkers sampled the new ale, along with old favourites such as Devil's Dip, Paddy's Delight and Steel Town, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Paul and wife Rosaleen, 44, have been behind the bar of The Grey Horse, for 11 years.

They recently won the Durham Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year Award 2000.

Paul said: "We are over the moon with how the festival went and I think The Works will be a hit."