HELEN Culshaw says she enjoys working behind a bar because it gives her the opportunity to meet lots of different people.

The 18-year-old has being welcoming regulars to Yates's Wine Lodge, in Burnley with a smile for four months now.

And Helen, who always wanted to be a barmaid, said she is looking forward to working the busy Christmas period when she will be dressing up as Mrs Claus.

She said: "I like talking to lots of different people and everyone is really friendly and I am really enjoying working here.

"I'm really looking forward to working at Christmas its going to be fun."

'Spirit of the Irish' festival

STAFF at O' Neill's in Blackburn marked the start of Feis Ceol - a week long festival celebrating the 'Spirit of the Irish' - with a host of themed activities.

The festival, which ended on Sunday, was held in 80 O'Neill's pubs throughout the UK.

It was organised to raise money for the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).

Live Irish bands, snail racing, limerick and Guinness pulling competitions were held to celebrate the event.

Aim is true

REGULARS at the Manxman Hotel, Manxman Road, Highercroft, managed to raise £481.63 for the Children in Need appeal by holding darts, dominoes and pool knockout competitions.

Organiser Karen Grogan has said a big thank you to all those who took part in the fundraising effort.