LANCASHIRE’S youngest landlord is toasting success after celebrating becoming the youngest landlord in Britain.

Thomas O’Toole, 20, has been at the helm of Madisons Wine Bar, in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall for six months, after working as a barman there for four years.

He said brewery bosses from Punch Taverns, which owns the town centre bar, and licensing officers have told him they had never heard of a younger landlord.

Thomas said: “I was really shocked to be told I was the youngest landlord in Lancashire never mind the youngest one in the UK.

“When my boss told me I was gobsmacked. It’s title to be proud of.

“I would recommend becoming a landlord to anyone, it’s really rewarding especially when you see people having a good time in your venue.

“I have worked at Madison’s along time and in that time it has always been a venue people have enjoyed.”

Budding actor Thomas who has appeared in Hollyoaks, TV adverts and Waterloo Road saved the bar from closure after the previous landlord left because of increasing rent prices.

When the previous landlord left many partygoers who had paid deposits for events at the venue were left high and dry.

Thomas saved the day by opening the venue as early as he could.

Punch Regional Business Manager Victoria Percival, said: “Thomas has really proved himself and turned the pub around in such a short space of time.

“He's a good innovator and has taken the entertainment up a notch with events, such as karaoke nights. We will support him in continuing to make this pub a success.”