DRINKERS at a Darwen bar are being given larger measures to raise their spirits.

Bar Java, in Wellington Fold, is one of the first pubs to change from 25ml to new 35ml optics as the industry moves into line with the rest of the world.

Marketing manager Bernard Coupe said: "In Britain we have the smallest measures in Europe.

"Australia and the Netherlands have had 30ml measures for a long time.

"The USA, Canada and Portugal all have 45ml measures.

"When you come back from your holidays abroad, the measures over here seem very meagre by comparison.

"We have chosen to opt for the 35ml measures to keep us in line with the likes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, who also serve larger measures."

He said the size of drinks had gone up by 40 per cent at Bar Java, but the price had only increased by a nominal amount.