The offer of free beer would normally attract a flurry of interest.

But it seems drinkers in Dalton, England, have better things to do than sit in pubs sampling fine ales.

Despite advertising in the Evening Mail (maybe they were too drunk?), the town council has failed to find an official ale taster since the previous job holder, Sharon Johnston, stepped down in May.

As part of the role, the ale taster is offered two half pints of beer from all of Dalton’s pubs over the year.

They must prepare a report, naming the best pub, which receives a trophy and certificate at the annual Charter Festival.

Dalton councillor, Dermot O’Connor, said: “We haven’t had any interest. In my three years as a councillor I’ve never seen it this bad.”

 

They can count me in. Sampling the real ales on cask in Oslo would take a nanosecond, so I'm free to look elsewhere. It's a tough job,but somebody has to do it. Alan,maybe we could share the job?