A PUB landlord who encourages eccentric traditions will be sparking up a log fire to mark Midsummer's Day.

Alfie Molinaro, landlord of the White Hart in Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield, is determined not to let June 21, the longest day of the year, go unmarked and will be encouraging his guests to join in the fun by appealing for them to research and reveal midsummer traditions of their own.

Alfie said: "I make a point of trying to keep old traditions alive. I've done a little research and found that people used to light bonfires on this day to warm the earth and welcome the summer.

"So far this year, we've been frozen, soaked and blown about and, frankly, summer is something we really should celebrate."

Alfie added: "We'll be lighting fires all through the morning and encouraging guests to bring along any midsummer traditions they know about.

"Anyone who brings proof of a genuine tradition will receive a free glass of our fresh chilled orange juice."

This year, the White Hart has piped in a haggis for Burns Night, put scented candles on the tables for Valentine's Day and come up with light-hearted limericks for St Patrick's Day.

The pub is open all day, every day, offering good food, wine and cask-conditioned ales.