A PUB deputy manager is calling on wine connoisseurs and novices alike to take part in a world record wine tasting event.

Robby Warrior, deputy manager at The William Morris in Pound Way, Cowley, Oxford, is staging the event as part of the pub's 19-day wine festival, which runs from next Wednesday, May 21, until Sunday, June 8.

It is one of 680 Wetherspoon pubs across the country hosting the synchronised wine tasting in an attempt to create a new Guinness World Record.

The event takes place at The William Morris at 6pm on the opening day of the festival and customers will be offered a free glass of wine to help break the record.

Mr Warrior said: "It's a great opportunity for people to be part of a world record attempt.

"All they have to do is come to the pub and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time as other customers in Wetherspoon pubs across the UK.

"The current world record stands at 5,100 tasters, but I'm confident it can be beaten."

To beat the record, each pub only needs seven-and-a-half punters to pop a cork, so The William Morris is confident of success.

During the wine festival, the pub will be serving half a dozen new wines not previously available - including Sonoma-Cutrer Grand Cru Chardonnay 2006, from the USA, and Valpolicella Allegrini 2007, from Italy.

Mr Warrior said: "The six new wines have been sourced for the pub from the world's leading wine producing countries.

"They have not previously been served here and I hope customers will enjoy the chance to sample them.

"Our range of festival wines will be on a par with wines served in restaurants and hotels.

"However our range of wine will be sold at a more affordable price."