THEY say there is no substitute for experience.

And given her 16 years as a barmaid, Alyson Chaffer (above), of the Foresters Arms, Burnley, says she is able to handle anything that life behind bar throws her way.

Alyson, who has worked at the Foresters for five years, has been described by her boss - landlord Mike Igoe - as having a personality similar to that of EastEnders' Peggy Mitchell.

The 42-year-old said: "Working behind a bar is just common sense when you have done it for as long as I have. You get used to dealing with all different types of people everyday. I suppose I am a bit like Peggy Mitchell because I'm very straightforward and a bit cheeky."

Launch for Boat Yard

ONE of Lancashire's most celebrated inns is to set sail once again following a two-month closure.

The Boat Yard Inn, Riley Green, which has undergone a striking makeover, will throw open its doors on Friday November 12.

The pub, which overlooks the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is fronted by experienced licensees Tim and Tracy Banks.

See the result of big revamp

THE Hare and Hounds, Lammack Road, Lammack, will re-open later this month.

Thousands of pounds have been spent on refurbishing the Enterprise Inns pub, which has been taken on by Deborah and Vincent Gates, current licensees of the Knowles Arms.

The couple have installed Lisa Robertson as manager.