A CROSSKEYS grandfather could have a local pub named after him after being nominated to be a Brains Real Welsh Legend.

Michael 'Doc' Cooper, aged 63, was nominated as a 'Real Welsh Legend' for his knowledge of beer and rugby, his ready stream of jokes and his ability for getting into rugby games for free.

The brewery launched a search earlier this year to find a 'legend' to star in its next advertising campaign and have a local Brains pub named after them.

The grandfather, who has lived on the same street in Crosskeys for 25 years, has played more than 500 rugby matches for his team Abercarn and still helps out in the clubhouse.

The retired factory worker said: "I haven’t played for 23 years and now I’m more likely to be fishing a ball out of the river.

"Rugby will always be a part of me and every weekend I’m in someone’s clubhouse, drinking a pint of draught ale.

“It’s very flattering to be described as a Welsh legend. I’m not sure my wife would agree – she’d probably say I was a great Welsh nuisance.”

Finalists will be shortlisted and voting will run from until mid-August 2015, when those with the highest number of votes will be named as Brains’ Real Welsh Legends.

For more information visit realwelshlegends.com