BREWERY bosses called time on a popular music venue in Colne - just before the town's rhythm and blues festival.

The Derby Arms, New Market Street, Colne, has been a fixture of the August bank holiday gathering, as one of the unofficial fringe locations, for more than 20 years.

But on Thursday the owners Enterprise Inns stepped in to take over the pub after the hostelry ceased trading.

Festival regular Colin Wheeler said: "It's a real shame because the Derby Arms has always been packed out for the blues festival."

Until the pub is reopened it is believed that a caretaker will look after the premises.