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

Locals are enjoying 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, on Saturday and yesterday.

And the drinks will be flowing as the festival continues today, from noon to 11pm.

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.

At any one time the pub has 16 ales on offer during the festival.

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