<Transcription>

Landlords Toast to Fame

[Sub Header]

By Beverley Hawes

PUB landlord Ric Sainty has the look of a traditional innkeeper with his rosy red cheeks and long grey beard.

And now his image is set to become familiar to beer drinkers throughout the land.

For Mr Sainty not only has a beer named after him - his face appears on the beer pumps as well!

Old Ric beer was originally brewed by Uley Brewery, near Dursley, for Mr Sainty's pub, the Old Spot Inn, Dursley.

But it has become so popular it has now been selected by the Wetherspoons group to be guest ale at their pubs nationally. And as it is called Old Ric it is only proper that Mr Sainty's face, drawn by pub regular Jeremy Collins, should appear on the pump badge.

Yesterday Uley Brewery boss Mr Chas Wright said: "Ric Sainty is famous for his big beard and philosophical gems. "We are delighted that this beer is going to pubs run without jukeboxes, flashing lights. TVs or noise; pubs very much like the Old Spot where people go for the beer."

Mr Sainty said: "This beer has the unique Uley taste made with Devon malt and the brewery's own spring water.

"It is bitter with body and richness but not too sweet and has a hoppy taste."

Mr Wright said he would have to take Mr Sainty on a promotional tour of Wetherspoons pubs around the country.

"A couple of months should do the job," he said. "It would be a shame to rush it."

CAPTION: Ric Sainty, about to be immortalised on beer pumps throughout the land