BORED of being bombarded by Beckham, sick of Sven and generally weary of the World Cup?

Well, one pub near Swindon is ignoring all that and has become a World Cup free zone.

Landlords, Vince, 36 and Donna Jones, 35 who own the Village Inn public house in Liddington have kept with tradition and ensured that World Cup fever has not invaded the quiet and relaxed country pub.

Even though Vince is a football fan, he wanted to keep the pub football free for his customers who travel from all over Wiltshire to enjoy the pub's wide array of meals on the pub's fresh food menu.

He said: "We have a small sweep-stake with a few of the locals, but that's all.

"We keep the rest of the pub as football free as possible, to keep some peace and quiet for the diners.

"It is fortunate that many of the games in this year's competition are taking place quite early in the day."

Although some of the punters might talk about it, the pub has become a getaway for people all over Swindon and Wiltshire, who have become bored of droning commentaries, match gossip and the roar of the assembled crowds.

The pub dates originally from 1789, while the present building was put up in 1895 long before the first ever World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930.

The pub was renamed from the The Bell to the Village Inn in 1982 and was taken over by Swindon brewer Arkell's in 1994. Donna and Vince took over the pub 10 weeks ago, having formerly ran the Brewer's Arms in Wanborough.

"This pub is completely different from the Brewer's Arms," said Vince, "That was really a sports club whereas this pub is a lot more quiet and aimed at diners who enjoy good food."

Vince's wife Donna said she is delighted that the pub has earned itself the tag of World Cup free zone.

She said: " I am not really fussed about football. It would be nice in England won the World Cup, but I don't have much of an interest in the game."

She admits being in a minority in her household because Vince and their eight-year-old son Mark are both absolutely mad on football.