DRINKERS in a Worcester pub will not quite get the chance to tie their kangaroo down but they will be able to shear a fake sheep for Australia Day.

The Courtyard in St Nicholas Street, is offering what it calls "Worcester's first ever sheep shearing competition", to mark Down Under's national holiday today.

"People may be slightly confused and we don't want to give too much away, but rest assured, these are very people-friendly sheep," said the pub's assistant manager David Cumbes.

Entrance is free and can be arranged any time before the competition starts, at the conclusion of tonight's football match on the big screen.

In keeping with the theme, the winner will receive a case of Foster's larger and there is a second prize of Australian wine.