Cheers Ernie! Regular at same pub for 70 years, celebrates birthday with a pint

A pensioner celebrated his 88th birthday with a pint at the village pub where he has been a regular ever since he was old enough to get served.

Ernie Hall supped a pint of his favourite John Smith's bitter at the Reindeer Inn, Long Bennington, 70 years to the day since he had his first beer as an 18-year-old.

Mr Hall, of Lilley Street, lives just round the corner from his local in the village where he was born.

He said: "I started coming here on the day of my 18th birthday, June 12 1944.

"My first pint was one shilling and it was six pence for a half. And you could get 20 Players and a box of matches for a shilling.

"I like John Smith's bitter and a Guiness on a Saturday afternoon.

"I only miss a weekend when I am on holiday, but apart from that, never."

Although he is partial to a pint, Mr Hall said he always drinks in moderation and never tried to get served before he was old enough.

"I have always enjoyed a pint or two, but three or four pints and a tot of whiskey is my limit," he said. "I have never been one for sitting and having eight or nine pints.

"I didn't try to get served before I was 18. They were very strict in those days. I came in on my 18th birthday."

Mr Hall was born in Church Street in the village and got his first job aged 13 at Ablewhite's grocers. He subsequently worked as a fireman for British Rail and then for Ransome and Marles in Newark.

He was joined by friends and pub staff for a birthday meal.

Landlady Janet Mather said: "He is one of the old characters. He is certainly still able to talk at 88. He used to come in and play dominoes, and is in here every Saturday and Sunday without fail.

"It is always the same time, same drink.

"I have been here 30 years and he has never missed a weekend."

Mr Hall said he intended to keep up his habit for a few years yet.

"This has always been my favourite pub," he said. "When I first came it was an old fashioned pub with a tap room.

"On a Saturday and Sunday evening you had to put your name down to get a spot to play dominoes because they were queuing out the door.

"I have always felt comfortable here. I enjoy the atmosphere and the company. "