A PUB in Bewdley will change hands next week and the new tenants are keen to welcome members of the local community to pop in for a pint.

Husband and wife duo Richard and Maresa Sheasby will take over The Hop Pole in Cleobury Road on Monday.

The couple say they want to continue the good work of the previous tenants while also attracting Bewdley drinkers and community groups back to the pub.

Richard, aged 41, who has worked as a manager at The Hop Pole for 18 months, said: "I live in Bewdley so when the opportunity came up to apply for the tenancy, we decided to go for it.

"I've worked in the hotel and pub industry for 28 years and the pub already has a great reputation, particularly for its food.

"All the chefs and the staff are staying the same so it will be the same country pub atmosphere our customers are used to.

"We just want this to be a central part of the community and we're keen to encourage drinkers back from the local area who might have thought the pub was more about food."

Maresa, aged 43, who also works as a paramedic, added: "We want to welcome in new and old customers.

"Our festive menu starts on Monday and we're putting on a silent disco on New Year's Eve, so there's lots of reasons for people to come and visit."

For more, search The Hop Pole on Facebook.