THERE will be no singing and chanting at a Portland pub when England's footballers go for World Cup glory - but that is how landlord Dan Fox wants it.

Not that he is hoping Sven Goran Eriksson's side will fail to bring home the trophy in the big tournament in Japan and South Korea, kicking off on May 31.

Dan, who runs the Pulpit Inn at Portland Bill, has declared it a football-free zone until June 30, when the competition ends.

He says there are lots of people who prefer peace and tranquillity to the loud roar of a crowd and the pub and restaurant will be the ideal place to head to if you are bored by Beckham or fatigued with Figo.

Dan, who has run the pub with wife Jackie for 18 years, said he took the decision after he heard regulars complaining about the amount of television coverage the World Cup has already received.

"Quite a few customers have come in here recently saying they wish the World Cup was finished before it even started and that they were really cheesed off with it all," he said.

Dan, 56, said the pub offered non-football fans the chance to sit back and relax without hordes of people screaming at a television.

He added that he was unaware of any other pub in the area keeping football off the menu.

"Not everyone likes football, so hopefully anyone who wants to get away from it all will turn up here. We do not have any televisions in the restaurant so they won't have to listen to loads of noise while trying to eat," he said.

But Dan, who is a Manchester United supporter, says he will personally be glued to the screen when the action gets under way.

"Even though I'm not the biggest football fan around, I take a keen interest in it and I can't wait until the competition starts.

"I really hope England go all the way and win it because if they do we'll have something to celebrate," he said.

Are you fed up with football and planning to miss the World Cup? If so, what are you going to do to avoid the action? Contact Matt Pitman at the Dorset Echo, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD, or via email at matt.pitman@dorset-echo.co.uk