THERE were cheers all round as a Worcester man realised his life long ambition of taking over a local pub.

Nic Walsh-Gibbons, former chef at the county eateries including Browns, the Swan at Whittington and the Crown and Sandys Arms in Ombersley, was delighted when he found out the Anchor in Diglis was seeking a new landlord.

The pub closed its doors in September with Mr Walsh-Gibbons taking over the least at the beginning of November and re-opening the pub on December 1.

He said: "I have always wanted to take on my own venture. I used to go to the Anchor on when former landlady Norma ran it.

"I used to think it had a lot of potential. When it came up for lease I went down there.

"Since taking over we have painted and decorated it and brought it up to scratch."

The pub now has a room for those dining and a room just for people enjoying a drink.

"We have real ales," added Mr Walsh-Gibbons. "And we have just has our cask-marqueing certification as well.

"We will still be doing the breakfasts from 9am until noon as the pub is known for them. Then we have lunch and dinner service.

"There is also a Sunday night quiz and hoping to get a skittle team back in the alley.

"We want it to be a place that people living locally can come and enjoy."