While the debate rages on about the Euro, one Atherton pub has already broken away with its own currency.

Regulars in the Letters Inn have been getting used to the exchange rate of the pound against the new local currency, called The Meadow.

And Letters lessee Bob Meadows has declared himself the self-appointed Governor of the Bank of Atherton.

Starting life as a humble beer token, the new currency can now be exchanged for food or drinks in the Wigan Road pub.

The innovative idea was started as a bit of fun initially but proved such a hit with customers that Bob has been coining it in.

He said: "I have named the currency The Meadow and its value is fixed at the price of a pint of Tetleys bitter, less 53p.

"I am determined that there will be no devaluation of The Meadow and it will stand fast, even in the face of the coming global recession and financial crisis."

The Letters Inn is one of more than 1,500 pubs and restaurants operated by Vanguard Pubs.

And Vanguard business development manager Jim Wilks said: "At Vanguard we encourage our lessees to be innovative and to experiment with business building ideas.

"This is certainly one of the more unusual I've come across in my time but,judging by the interest it is generating, it seems to be working."

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