THE Observer's annual Christmas Toys and Tins appeal is set to benefit Hyndburn drinkers as well as children and pensioners. For in an unusual twist, the appeal is being supported by Thwaites Brewery.

To celebrate the re-opening of the Hare and Hounds pub in Clayton-le-Moors, the Blackburn brewery will give a free pint to every customer who donates a toy or tin. The re-opening is scheduled for Thursday 11 December and 500 guests have been invited.

Simon Taylor, Thwaites area manager, said: "We're working on the slogan: 'Bring in a toy or a tin and we'll get the beer in.' What we collect will be added to the £500-worth of goods which we have already contributed.You could say we're spending our usual promotional budget on toys and tins."

Observer editor Mervyn Kay said: "I'm delighted the brewery is helping out, and what a great contribution it is too. There are lots of needy people out there and this will make their Christmas much happier."

The Whalley Road pub will re-open after a £350,000 transformation, and retail director Paul Howarth is keen to start quenching the community's thirst.

He said: "It's a great pub in a great area with huge potential which hasn't been fully serviced in the past. It will be a community pub with something to offer for all."

New landlord John Ritchie said: "This will be a community pub. It's really important to help out with local causes, and this is more than a deserving cause."

Tom Venus, president of Accrington Lions - who distribute the toys - said: "It's a grand idea. We always appreciate such help and the more the merrier as far as the appeal goes."

Meanwhile, items have been flooding into our two collection points, the Observer offices in Blackburn Road, Accrington, and the reception area of the Asda store in Hyndburn Road, Accrington.

Our aim is to collect toys for underprivileged children and tins of food for needy pensioners. The appeal again has the full support of Accrington Lions and Age Concern Hyndburn. The two charities will collect and distribute the toys and tins making sure they find their way to where they are needed most. In the case of bulky items you can ring our Newsdesk on 871444 and we will arrange collection.

For the Toy Appeal, we are looking for good quality or new toys and board games to put a smile on the faces of everyone from babies to teenagers. This year, however, we DO NOT want soft toys as the Lions still have a large number to give out.

For the Tin Appeal we will gladly accept all tinned, bottled or packet foods, dried foodstuffs and other non-perishables, including drinks. Please DO NOT send us items of food and drink which are past their sell-by date.