WHEN Arthur Robson started drinking at The Knavesmire, rock'n'roll was in its heyday and Britain was caught up in the Suez Crisis.

But almost every day for the past 50 years he has returned to his favourite York pub for a few pints of his favourite "smooth".

The 67-year-old, who lives nearby in Brunswick Street, began drinking, illegally, just after his 17th birthday in 1956.

Half a century on, staff and regulars at the pub held a surprise '50th' birthday party for Arthur, to celebrate his long relationship with the pub.

"I just like it here," said Arthur. "It has a good atmosphere, and I've made a lot of new friends over the years.

"I come in here every day, apart from when I'm ill or if I'm on holiday, and I don't get bored. It's like my second home."

Friends have calculated that at today's prices, drinking an average of eight pints a day, Arthur has spent £262,000 on beer in the last 50 years - enough to buy his own pub.

He has supped some 2,920 pints a year, 146,000 pints or 18,000 gallons over the last half century.

But the retired builder, who is single and has no children, buys his own beer, spending up to £15 a night on his favourite pint of "smooth".

Regulars know Arthur, who sits anywhere he wants and enjoys chatting to the younger drinkers, for his sense of humour and his catchphrase: "Hey, chief."

He also constantly sings O Danny Boy, and his favourite songs by Mario Lanza.

Staff and locals clubbed together to buy him a tankard engraved with 50 years, which he will keep behind the bar.

"It was a lovely surprise, and I really appreciate all the effort people have made for me," said Arthur.

"I will definitely keep coming here every day - even if I live for another 50 years."

Many historic moments have been marked by him at the pub, from man walking on the moon to England winning the World Cup.

But Arthur did take one break from his favourite pastime - to enjoy a family party at his sister's house for his 67th birthday on Sunday.

But he was back at The Knavesmire on Monday for the surprise buffet tea and cake with all his friends.

Landlord Tony Griffith, who has been at the pub just six months, said: "We wanted to do something to thank Arthur for his loyal custom over the years.

"He is certainly a character and everyone knows him because he's in here all the time."

During his 50 years at The Knavesmire, Arthur has seen at least eight landlords come and go. He remembers it being run as a hotel, when a room was set aside for sing-alongs around the piano, as well as playing dominoes and cribbage.

'Alcohol can harm you' - doctor

DRINKERS were warned today of the potential impact on their health if they sup too much.

Dr David Geddes, medical director at Selby and York Primary Care Trust, said: "Everyone can quote someone who drank vast amounts who wasn't affected by it and lived to be 100.

"But the evidence is that alcohol can have a serious impact on your health. It can not only cause cirrhosis of the liver, but can also lead to heart problems, brain disease, nerve damage, stomach problems, impotence or low sperm count, obesity and diabetes.

"It can also cause mental illness and depression, and is associated with relationship breakdowns, violence and financial problems.

"People who drink are at risk of developing any or several of these problems."

Updated: 11:03 Saturday, February 11, 2006