HUGH Litherland thought running a pub would be a dream.

But the illusion was quickly smashed when he started having to work 19-hour days.

Hugh, 55, has now started using a gym to combat the strain the long days have taken on his health.

And he revealed his weight gain had been the main problem as a result of the job.

The chairman of the Licence Victuallers Association, representing Blackburn landlords, runs the White Bull, in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

He said: "Your eating habits change as you eat when you get time, usually just before you got to be bed, and there is never time for exercise. Passive smoking also plays havoc with my chest.

"I enjoy the job but it's not the dream I thought it was."

Mr Litherland, a landlord for 15 years, went on: "We work more hours than we should and our day never stops. Even when I am not working, I am on call."

He explained tenants who run smaller pubs and can't afford many staff are among the hardest workers.

He added: "I can be up at 7am for a delivery and not in bed until 2am after a busy night. It is really exhausting."

According to a survey by The Publican magazine, Lancashire landlords work nearly double the weekly limit set by the European working time directive. And one in three spend 90 hours a week behind the bar, with the majority clocking up an average of 75.

Today, publicans were warned they may be risking their lives.

Elaine Michel, a specialist for East Lancashire Public Health Network, said: "There is a connection with heart disease and strokes as an effect of long hours of work.

"Also in daily life, extended periods of sleep depravation increase the risk of having accidents not just at work but on the road."

The Publican has issued an online advice booklet for licensees and pub workers on how to manage their time providing stress councillor contacts.