A pub landlord has found a novel way of protecting his alcohol ahead of a beer festival this weekend – by sleeping with it.

James and Diane Earl who run the Port ’n’ Ale pub in Horseley Heath, Tipton, have stocked up on thousands of pounds worth of ale before the annual bank holiday event.

And as it is stored in an unsecured marquee James will be snuggling up inside his sleeping bag as he keeps a watchful eye over the barrels at night.

The festival, which kicks off on Friday and runs until Monday, is the second to be held at the pub since October.

Landlady Diane, aged 39, who has run the pub with James, aged 46, for a year, said: “My husband is camping in the marquee itself during the evening until the festival is over and he has got a friend who will be patrolling at night.

“There’s a lot of money involved, it’s not as secure as it should be, you can see the beer from the street, so it’s got to be tight security.”

Over the weekend the pub will be serving a selection of 36 beers and five ciders.