A Devon pub landlord is taking drastic steps to protect his new carpet.

Barry Shingler, landlord of Marshals Pub in Barnstaple, is asking regulars to leave their shoes at the door and don slippers instead.

The new carpet cost �1,600 and Mr Shingler is determined to keep it as good as new.

The old one lasted 18 years.

They know if they get the carpet mucky there would be trouble Barry Shingler

"We have just finished the refurbishment and revamp and in order to keep things nice and neat I've asked customers to wear slippers," said Mr Shingler.

"They can either bring slippers or I have plastic overshoes they can put on."

Mr Shingler said that most customers had reacted well to the unusual request.

"They've all taken it in good part really," he said.

"There have been a couple of moans and groans but they know if they get the carpet mucky there would be trouble."

He is selling souvenir pieces of the old carpet at �1 each to help the children's ward of North Devon District Hospital.