A RETIRED vicar and former teacher are toast of the village after celebrating 25 years running a pub.

Norman Atty and wife Christine took over running the award-winning Dog Inn at Whalley and transformed it from a popular student hangout to a family pub.

Speaking of his decision to swap the pew for the bar stool Mr Atty said: “My mother’s side of the family were involved with the hotel and licensed trade for generations and when I was in my 20s I thought I too would like to run a pub one day.

"When I retired as a vicar, the opportunity arose and I took it. I haven’t looked back.

"There are similarities between the role of publican and vicar. I believe the clergy could learn a thing or two from pubs.

"All clergymen should be required to have a go running a pub, but not the other way around!

"It’s the customers and our loyal staff, some of whom have been with us for many years, that make running a pub so enjoyable."

While running the pub, Mr Atty has acted as a Mayor's consort, has been another Mayor’s chaplain, sat on Whalley Parish Council, been president of the Chamber of Trade and is still is chaplain to the local branch of the British Legion. Regulars have asked him to officiate at marriages, christenings and funerals.

Mrs Atty, who taught at St Michael With St John CE Controlled Primary School, Blackburn, for 16 years, joined her husband behind the bar full-time when she retired 10 years ago. Around the same time, her son Christopher Jay also started work at the pub, which was voted 2014 Pub of the Year by East Lancashire branch of CAMRA.

Lorna Willougby, business development manager at Star Pubs and Bars, said: "Norman and Christine are wonderful, hospitable landlords. They’ve established The Dog Inn as a popular local.

"A year ago, the pub and the village flooded bringing the community together in support of a common cause. Norman and Christine, together with the help of the Whalley Lions, provided coffee and sandwiches to the rescue services, to the police and any cold and hungry helpers.

"Locals were worried the pub might change when it was redecorated following the flood. They didn’t need to be, the homely, traditional character was preserved, much to everyone’s delight."