A PAIR of pals have joined forces to buy their local pub.

Phil Nelson and Marco Bell, who both have experience in the pub and leisure industries, said they had spent many a night drinking in The Talbot, Church Street, Burnley.

However, following its closure they have now bought it and intend to bring it back to life as a family-run pub and live music venue.

Marco said: “The Talbot holds a special place in the hearts and memories of many and it’s our intention to restore it to its rightful place as a thriving hub of the community.”

The pair hope to reopen the pub in the near future.