TODAY sees the kick-off of Euro 2004 and sports fans cannot have failed to notice that dozens of pubs and bars across the city have embraced footie fever like a long-lost family member.

All the games will be held in regular licensing hours, which means any pub can show the action without special permission so there is a feast of the glorious game on offer.

Landlords and police alike are expecting a replay of the peaceful reception drinkers gave the last World Cups, of the football and rugby variety, with virtually no trouble reported.

Drinkers who enjoy a crowd may like to head to Flying Legend, Clifton Moor, where kids can play football in the "whacky warehouse" with inflatable posts and balls while mum and dad enjoy a menu inspired by the England team.

Manager Alan Hart said Beckham's bulldog burger, Scholes's spicy wedges and Neville's nachos were dreamed up by kitchen staff who wanted to prepare food that customers could eat without taking their eyes off the TV screen.

He said: "The bar during the games will be absolutely packed. It's a big football pub and our regulars are just waiting for it all to kick off. All the staff will be wearing England strips for the games.

"It's going to be a great atmosphere as we've got such a community here. All the people come over from the Clifton Moor estate and a lot of them are football daft."

Entertainment of an adult-only variety is on offer at Edward VII, in Nunnery Lane, now known as Wright's Sports Bar, where they will have a handful of topless barmaids serving beer during England's clash with Switzerland next Thursday.

Landlord Alan Jackson also has arranged for a special offer with the neighbouring Tote bookies, where drinkers placing a £5 bet will get a free £2 stake on the outright winner.

He said: "We are showing every single match and are expecting some really big crowds. We've got two big screens and we're looking forward to a bumper couple of weeks."

Over at the Five Lions in Walmgate, landlord Craig Holt has already made off for a friend's villa on the Algarve near Faro where he is basing himself for more than three weeks.

"I've got tickets right through to the final so I can watch England go all the way," he said.

"It's a good life. I've left Paul in charge of the pub so everyone should have a good time at home too."

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, June 12, 2004