WITH their tentacles twitching in anticipation, turbo-charged snails will be let loose on Hereford tonight, November 29, with one thing on their minds - Guinness.

However, before anyone goes rushing to the fridge to safeguard sacred stocks of the creamy black stuff, this is all part of the most exciting attraction to hit bars in years - the inaugural O'Neill's Hereford Snail Racing Championships.

Manager Darren Lord is inviting local people to bring in snails to the bar at 7pm and participate in the most bizarre tournament Hereford has ever seen.

As well as the glory of standing on the O'Neill's winner's podium, the owner of the fastest snail will also win a few pints of Guinness.

Two snails will be placed in the middle of the O'Neill's equivalent of Silverstone - a wooden circle surrounded by luscious lettuce and the first snail to reach the perimeter of the track will be triumphant.

Anyone who would like to participate, call Philip Parrish on 0121 355 3446.