A Blackburn pub has closed its doors and a brewery is looking for a new tenant to take over.

A picture, shared by community group, Shad Chefs, has emerged of the Old Toll Bar on Accrington Road with steel plates on the windows and a covering over the door.

The previous tenant, who was at the helm of the pub for six years, recently left.

Thwaites, the brewery which owns the pub, has confirmed that it is closed. It hopes to reopen the pub “as soon as possible”.

The brewery said it is “already engaging in positive conversations” with a prospective new operator.

A spokesperson for Daniel Thwaites said: “After six years at the helm, the previous operator has handed back the keys to the Old Toll Bar in Blackburn.

“We are hopeful of reopening the pub as soon as possible and are already engaging in positive conversations with a prospective new operator, which coupled with investment from Daniel Thwaites, will bring in the necessary changes to reestablish the pub as an asset for the local community.”

On the brewery’s website the pub is described as a “prominent stone built property.”

The description says: “There are numerous seating areas throughout, with a snug located to the left hand side of the bar.

“To the rear there is a pool table and darts board, along with a good sized beer garden.

“There is a small kitchen which could support bar snacks. The living accommodation consists of two double bedrooms, one single bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, lounge and office.

“Trade at the Old Toll Bar comes from residents nearby and in the surrounding areas. The pub hosts karaoke nights on Saturdays, family days, fundraising events and seasonal events.

“Live sports have been shown in the past and could be reintroduced.”

The guide rental prince is £8,000 per year.