A NEW sports and music bar is set to strike into action at Waterfoot's Royal Hotel.

Joint owners Maria and Paul Stannard have been given the all-clear by magistrates to develop the old nightclub area. The aim is to create a new sports area with snooker tables, mini football and games alongside music and food, in the dance area formerly known as the Club Royale.

Paul said: "The nightclub was quite rough and did not really make the best of the space so we thought of this. We are really pleased that it has gone through and the courts have given the go-ahead.

"We want to appeal to everyone, not just the boys wanting football, so we are placing as much emphasis on the music as well as the sport."

No date has been set for the opening while the couple decide on refurbishment plans.

A spiral staircase will be added at the back of the pub so customers can enter the bar from the sporting area. The existing games room will be made into an extension of the bar.

The pub is also planning an auction on Monday night of a signed Manchester United first-team football.

The evening has been organised by United's Phil Neville, chairman of the Rossendale branch of the MUFC supporters club, and aims to raise £2,500 for Mencap.