AMBITIOUS Alec Morris was barely old enough to drink when he had his first taste of pub management.

Now the hard-working 22-year-old, pictured, hopes to change the image of the Victorian Church Street Tavern, in Preston, after taking over the reins.

Despite his young age Alec has buckets of experience in the pub industry - he has been in the licensed trade since leaving school almost seven years ago.

At the age of 19, he became relief manager of a pub in Warrington.

Since then he has travelled around the North West as a relief manager for Scottish and Newcastle, until he was snapped up by the Swallow Group.

Alec said: "I was given the chance to manage the White Hart, in Chorley, for a year, before the Swallow Group offered me the opportunity to run the Church Street Tavern.

"I will be there for the next three years, hopefully transforming it into one of Preston's top pubs."

Alec, who is originally from Warrington, added: "The Church Street Tavern is a smashing place with a great atmosphere and experienced staff."

But does Alec's age affect his relationship with older members of staff?

"My age has never been an issue with other members of staff," he said.

"I've got plenty of experience, all the qualifications I can get and I'm not afraid of hard work."

The Church Street Tavern has a 110-capacity function room, available for weddings, christenings, and other social gatherings.

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