Chris, 12, is pint-sized barman

A Doncaster pub has the country's youngest bartender - Chris Hardacre, who is just 12 years old.

His father David is licensee of the Star but Chris has just passed all the exams to rival him.

The law now allows him to serve behind the bar - with adult supervision - but not to drink the profits.

He gained his National Licensees' licensing certificate after studying for only a few weeks and is now qualified to dispense the ales.

"I just like being around the pub," said Chris. "It's a good atmosphere and the people are nice.

"I thought it would be a good idea to study all about it."

His proud father said his son approached him with the idea, so they sent away for all the information.

"He studied the law and spent three weeks revising before the exam - and passed."

Regulars at the Star said they liked the father-and-son combination, though all said Chris was better-looking than his dad.