JD Wetherspoon's pubs across Lancashire will be launching their own reduced price scheme as the government's Eat Out to Help Out initiative comes to an end.

The chain will be operating the scheme nationwide and will be reducing prices on a range of meals and drinks.

The reduced prices will come into effect on September 1 and will remain in place until November 11.

Chairman Tim Martin said: "The Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme was extremely popular with our customers and a great boost to the hospitality industry.

"We are keen to offer our customers a superb choice of food and drink at great value for money prices.

"Our offer means that a classic beef burger in our pubs will be even better value than McDonald's."

The chain had courted controversy earlier this year when Mr Martin rejected the government's advice close pubs with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and, when closures were eventually enforced, appeared to suggest that staff could work in supermarkets rather than be placed on furlough.

All of the company's outlets were eventually forced to close by government order from March 21 with staff placed on the state backed furlough scheme.

They have been open for business again since July 4.