Drinkers in the North West have reason for celebration after a new survey showed they get more beer for their money than the rest of Britain.

Lager costs an average of �1.90 per pint in the region's pubs - compared with �2.11 nationally - while real ale is �1.69 against a nationwide average of �1.92.

Londoners pay above the odds - forking out �2.31 for a lager or �2.12 for a real ale - but even they have cause for cheer.

Mike Benner of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which published the survey, said: "On average we pay considerably less than most beer-drinking nations which is good news."

Average price of pint of lager

UK average: �2.11 London: �2.31 South East: �2.26 East Anglia: �2.24 South West: �2.15 West Midlands: �2.04 North: �2.04 East Midlands: �2.02 Scotland: �2.02 Wales: �2.01 Yorkshire: �1.98 North West: �1.90

He said the North West had been the cheapest place for a pint for the last few years.

"There are obviously regional differences because in running a pub business there are lots of factors that come into play including property prices and wages."

The survey also showed the price of beer had not risen with inflation.

Mr Benner said: "It just goes to show that enjoying a decent pint in your favourite pub is still great value."

The survey looked at 7,000 prices for a pint of beer in more than 1,200 pubs across the country.