WHERE is William Hague when you need him? You would have thought he'd have been straight up to York when he learned about the Assize of Ale.

Two pints in every venue along one of the seven-pub circuits would have brought him to his 14-pint limit. More to the point, he would have enjoyed as drinking companions people of the quality of the Sheriff of York Barrie Ferguson (pictured left), Assize co-ordinator Maureen Singleton and Last Drop Inn landlord James Butler. Better than any focus - or perhaps that should be out-of-focus - group.

Today's Assize of Ale is not really about boozing, of course, or even about parading in public wearing bodices and tights. Its purpose is to raise as much cash as possible for the good causes.

We'll bring you the total when we get it.

ANYONE order 18 tonnes of sand? It could only be those more than mildly mad people at York stunt pub the Shoulder of Mutton.

Former licensees Paul Egan and Susie Matthews established the Shoulder as the nuttiest boozer in Britain. They twice won national awards for promotions which saw them launch a pub radio station and turn it into a spaceship for a science fiction weekend.

Then last Easter they transformed the main bar into the Garden of Gethsemane, and installed a replica of Christ's tomb and three crosses.

Now present landlady Cath Henderson, who took over last September, is determined to consolidate the Heworth pub's reputation as a 'big event boozer'.

On Friday, August 25, the Shoulder will shut half an hour early so staff and regulars can transform it into an Ibiza beach bar.

That's where those 18 tonnes of sand come in. And the 500 balloons, the log roll around the bar, the rodeo bull, paddling pool and barbecue.

"This sort of thing has always gone down well," said Cath. "It's been asked for and asked for and now we're doing it bigger and better!"

Admission is by ticket only, either from behind the bar in advance or on the door on the day. The £5 charge gives entry all weekend.

All money raised goes to Cancer Research. One of the pub's regulars, Donna, is trekking to Chile to raise money for the fund and the pub hopes to send her on her way with £2,000.

More raffle prizes are needed; if anyone can help phone Cath on 01904 424793.