Where's her beard and woolly jumper?

Young Laura Craft broke the mould of your typical real ale drinker when she signed up as the Campaign for Real Ale's 60,000th member.

The 20-year-old student teacher, who is studying at the College of Ripon & York St John, became part of CAMRA's history when she filled in a membership form at the successful York Beer Festival.

"My boyfriend and I signed up at the festival," she said.

"And I'm happy to be part of CAMRA's history.

"I'm a big fan of real ale and have already been to my first branch meeting."

She names the Maltings, Tanner's Moat, as her favourite pub with beers by Yorkshire brewers Timothy Taylor and Rooster her favourite tipples.

Mike Benner, head of campaigns and communications for CAMRA, said: "Our membership has been growing since the 1980's and is at its highest level ever. The more members we have the better we can represent the interests of all Britain's beer drinkers and pub-goers.

"We welcomed Laura into the fold in the traditional CAMRA way - a few pints and a good few laughs."

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, April 03, 2001