A GAY couple claim they have been hounded out of their country pub by a malicious hate campaign.

The Kettledrum Inn, Mereclough, Cliviger, has been deserted of custom since Neil Pitts, 40, and partner Ben Crossfield, 19, moved in five weeks ago.

The pair are now returning to Manchester after receiving homophobic hate messages, nuisance phone calls and a drop in trade after regulars snubbed the pub.

A message was scrawled on the pub's A-board at the entrance and constant night-time nuisance and abusive phone calls have forced the couple to quit.

Neil, who is to leave on Sunday, said: "We are being hounded out. People in the village need to open their eyes that this has happened where they live.

"Someone wrote on the A-board 'Welcome to Puffs' Paradise -- Now Open' in chalk.

"I was very upset and disappointed. It was a very childish and immature act.

"People simply don't come to the pub anymore. It happened almost immediately.

"We do not hide our sexuality. We are honest about it but we do not flaunt it."

Bosses at North Lancashire Inns, which owns The Kettledrum, said they were saddened that Neil and Ben had to leave and said customers had not given them a chance.

Neil said: "North Lancashire Inns have been very supportive and have left the decision in our hands.

"The result is that from Sunday me and Ben are unemployed.

"We consider ourselves to have very good people skills and the skills to run a successful business. Maybe the people of Burnley are just not ready for this sort of situation yet."

Stephen Pope, operations manager for North Lancashire Inns, said: "It is very sad and unfortunate that in this day and age people cannot accept people on their merits rather than their relationship.

"We will miss Neil. He has got the right temperament and certainly in the food side he has very good skills.

"Trade has dropped right off. Even on a weekly turnover it is obvious. The customers have given their answer."

Mr Pope said negotiations with new managers for the pub are currently on-going with a view to them moving in next week.

Kevin Robinson, Independent councillor for Cliviger, said: "I have gathered from some people who go in there that they are not particularly happy with the situation. I think this attitude is totally wrong.

"Everybody has the right to do whatever they want as long as it is not in front of everybody's faces. I feel sorry for them."

Police are investigating phone calls made to the pub.