AS St Patrick's Day (March 17) approaches, strange things are happening in one small corner of the Tamar Valley.

The Boot Inn at Calstock is taking celebrations for the Irish saint to a new if not somewhat eccentric level, by having the whole of its bar area laid to lawn — yes, real grass!

Senior chef Joe O'Reilly said: 'I know it sounds a bit whacky, but we thought it would be a bit of fun for all of our customers.

'It should be a bit of a laugh for our usual Sunday lunch crowd and we expect a fair few popping in for a subsidised pint of Dublin Guinness.'

Celtic harpist Fionnuala Perry, who will be playing Irish music throughout the day, said: 'It will certainly be a first for me, I thought they were joking when they asked me if I'd mind playing on a lawn.'

HCT Turf Company of Exeter, who supplied the grass, are sponsoring the event. Vernon Hockley, one of the firm's partners said: 'We thought it was hilarious when we were first approached, but who knows, it might actually catch on.'