THE loudest thing in this pub is the happy hum of conversation. And that's just how the owner and licensee of The Queen's Head in Titchfield likes it.

Warren Stocker,pictured, refuses to introduce atmosphere-stifling games machines to the pub in the High Street.

He has even banned mobile phones in a light-hearted attempt to retain the pub's traditional feel, while raising hundreds of pounds for charity with a fines system.

He said: "I think they're intrusive. But most of all it's a fun way of raising money for charity.

"Almost everybody in here will let out a cry if they hear a mobile phone going off and then 50p goes into the Lifeboat.

"My customers like the pub so much because they, like me, agree a pub should be about good real ale and pleasant company in an environment not ruined by juke boxes, pool tables and dart boards."

About 60 pubs in Fareham compete for a shield which shows they are the top fundraiser in the borough.

Regulars at The Queen's Head have won the gong for the last two years.

Last year they raised £337, but they are already on course to top that this time around. The pub also has a rather unusual selling point for other landlords.

As well as parties and seminars, its function room holds examinations for national licensee certificates from the British Institute of Innkeeping.

And regulars have a friendly football rivalry going - the most hotly-contested being Saints against Pompey in this village about midway between Southampton and Portsmouth.

But locals reckon there is support for about half of all Premier League teams - including Middlesbrough and Manchester United.

Warren has been in charge at The Queen's Head for just over four years.

He ran The Bugle, one of the village centre's three other pubs, between 1990 and 1994.

He added: "There are four pubs within the village, all of which have a very different flavour, I think it's fair to say."

The pub has two bars, a function room and a restaurant which has just launched its Christmas menu.

On Sundays there is a quiz night.

The Queen's Head is closed on Monday lunchtimes, but opens Monday nights and each other day between 11am and 3pm and 6pm and 11pm. Opening hours on Sundays are 12 midday to 3pm and 7pm to 10.30pm.

The Queen's Head is in High Street, Titchfield.

Information: 01329 842154.