THE search for the best brew in the country will be heading to East Lancashire this month, when judges from a national contest visit the Toby Jug Tea Shop in Clitheroe.

The shop has been selected from more than 130 tea shops to go to the final round of the Tea Guild's annual contest to find the perfect cuppa, which started six years ago.

Throughout this month, experts will be sipping tea at the shop, along with 24 other finalists around the country.

Competition is fierce, with each shop vying what is arguably the most coveted award in the tea calendar.

Entrants will be judged on tea standards, ranging from flavour to taste, and will also be judging on staff knowledge and atmosphere.

Bill Gorman, executive director of the Tea Council said: "This competition is all about celebrating the skill and artistry of making the perfect cup of tea. As a nation, we should be proud of our tea shops. We wish all finalists the best of luck."

Each year the Tea Guild produces a best tea places guide, published by the Tea Council, which tells where the best cups of tea are to be found, and other local information for tourists.