NOW exiled in Yorkshire, John Anthony often lifts his pint glass to toast his St Helens hometown and its many old-time watering holes.

In fact, John, who was born in Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath, and sampled his first ever pint in the Saddle pub which once stood besides Beechams works, has been inspired to pen a tribute in verse.

Veteran arm-benders will recognise the various pub names scattered through the little ode by John, who now lives in the lovely North Yorkshire town of Skipton.

The Royal Alfred's childish hand

Held up a Rifle high,

And shot the fiery Phoenix

That drunk the New Inn dry.

A Lamb peered o'er an old Brown Edge,

Saw flaming Bird i'th Hand,

Its Feathers shrivelled like the Vine,

Upon the Abbey did land.

The Prince of Wales, how he did sob

As, on the Saddle sat,

He saw the Boar's Head gobble it,

That fiery acrobat.

On boozy eves, when tankards are topped,

Of bitter and the mild,

You'll see two towny Angels,

And an Eagle and a Child.

A FROTHY piece of literature, indeed, John, bound to appeal to all long-time lovers of the amber nectar.