THE Wetherspoon pub chain has apologised after two women were admitted to a bar in Derry on Halloween night dressed as golliwogs.

A customer in The Diamond Bar told The Irish News they were horrified to see people dressed as the characters, which are widely regarded as racially offensive.

"A young black woman was upstairs sitting near the girls.

"Then she and her friends moved downstairs before leaving."

The customer added: "People were queuing up for selfies with them.

"It was quite shocking. Especially when Derry is trying to promote itself as an international destination for Halloween and attract tourists."

A Wetherspoon spokesman said it "apologises wholeheartedly to the lady in question for any offence that was caused".

"The two ladies were allowed into the pub by the door staff.

"In hindsight they should not have been allowed in the pub or served because their outfits were likely to cause offence.

"We will ensure that all of our staff at our pubs in Northern Ireland are aware of the incident and learn from it.”