AMON Burke has become the new licensee of a pub for the first time thanks to a Christmas present from his wife.

Sheila Burke, 51, bought the Duke of Buccleugh pub, Waterfoot, for her husband because it was something he had always 'fancied doing'.

Amon, 39, said: "My mum used to have a club and I've always thought I could do it, so when the opportunity came along we took it.

"She's the tenant and I am the licensee so the buck stops with me!"

The pub is a marked change in direction for Amon who previously worked as an asbestos cleaner and lived in Shaw. Sheila worked as a lecturer.

He said: "This is a really nice area and everyone seems to get on together. They have all been really welcoming.

"Business is picking up slowly but surely and the busiest time of the day is around lunch time and early evening with up to a hundred punters."

The couple are hoping to launch a varied food menu in the future and work is taking place to convert the rooms for bed and breakfast.

The pub will be taking part in the new Pub Watch Scheme in the area which aims to help protect landlords and their property from violence, drugs and vandalism.

He said: "We have had no major problems just a few bits and bats but that's only because we are new and people think they can get away with it."