A COUPLE are celebrating 20 years behind the bar at a thriving pub by holding a weekend party.

The Grey Mare in Oswaldtwistle won Thwaites’s Best Pub of the year in 2018, and its bosses are now celebrating 20 years of trade.

Becky and Steve Prince met when Mr Prince left the army. Their families had all run pubs in the past, so they started a business together.

Mrs Prince said: “We’ve had three refurbishments and we keep evolving, which helps you stay in business for longer.

“A lot of our staff return to help out because we all have a very good relationship. We take care of them and we like to make it a nice friendly environment for everyone.”

Mr Prince added: “It’s nice to create local jobs for local people too.”

One staff member, 28-year-old waitress Ashleigh Prysiaznyj has worked at the pub since she was 15.

On Saturday, the pub is entertaining guests all day with two outdoor bars in a marquee featuring face-painting, a magician, a raffle, and snacks. Live entertainer Andy Crosbie also makes an appearance as Elton John from 9pm.