Ref. 30832-31FOOTBALL FEVER: AN OLD Town pub is using Astroturf to bring Euro 2004 out of its big screen and into the bar.

Piper's Arms landlady Sam Gilbert, 36, had originally planned with landlord Steve Callow, 30, to lay real turf across much of its floor for the duration of the competition.

But a consultation with a local supplier convinced them that this might prove messy.

In consolation the firm offered them the free use of two large rolls of Astroturf, one around the television area and one by the bar.

Sam said: "Because it's Euro 2004, we wanted to do something different.

"We rang around a few turf suppliers, but Wilts and Gloucester Turf Supplies in Highworth said they would do it for free."

The firm's boss, Roger Greene, said: "It is certainly the most unusual job I have ever had. We usually lay normal turf, and that was what they wanted at first, but we had to tell them it would make a big mess.

"That was why we decided to offer them the Astroturf for free."

Sam added: "The customers say it's great.

"The Astroturf will help them to soak up the atmosphere during the competition and I hope it can soak up beer."