A PAIR of young business partners are hoping to re-launch the image of a Burnley pub with an opening ceremony tonight.

Alex Robinson, 24, and Kris Spence, 22, aim to give a new lease of life to the Gannow Wharf Pub, Gannow Lane, after its closure almost two months ago.

The pair have plenty of experience working in pubs and clubs and hope to put this to good use at the new venture.

Alex, originally from Nottingham, has lived in Burnley just over a year and previously worked at the Inn on the Wharf in Manchester Road but decided the time was right to venture out on his own.

With his business partner Kris, who is originally from Scotland, they invested in the Gannow Wharf pub and used the support of Burnley Enterprise.

The young entrepreneurs attended the group session to learn about business planning, cash flow and the different trading options that are available.

The Gannow Wharf has had mixed publicity in the past and Alex and Kris hope to turn it around and make it a welcoming place for all.

Alex said: "We both like Burnley and felt there were more opportunities for young people to start a business in this area.

"We want the pub to develop a good reputation and we have many exciting plans."

They plan to refurbish the patio area that overlooks the Leeds and Liverpool canal and organise themed nights from karaoke, quiz nights and also pool and darts tournaments.

Tonight the Gannow Wharf will burst into life at a launch party starting at 7pm to celebrate its re-opening.