PUBS in East Lothian have been given some early festive cheer after licensing chiefs announced extra drinking hours over the holidays.

East Lothian Council has said that all hospitality venues will be able to stay open until 2am on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year, with the late last orders also available on Hogmanay and New Year’s Day.

The extension was announced at a meeting of the council's licensing board on Thursday.

Councillor Lachlan Bruce, board convenor, said that the general extension would cover on-sales only, with all venues able to take advantage of the late hours.

It is the fifth year running that the board has approved the extension on the main holiday days. Prior to that, it had allowed a two-week extension of late opening but agreed to reduce the days at the request of the county’s licensing forum.