WHEN Dave and Dot Mason first put their hands to the pump at the Old Toll Bar in Blackburn they didn't think they would be there very long.

But last weekend marked 25 years behind the bar for the couple at the Accrington Road pub. They took 'The Toll' as their first pub on June 5 1979 and haven't looked back since.

Dave, 57, said: "We have been through a whole generation of customers. People who were coming in the pub when we first started now have grandchildren that have grown up and come in for a pint.

"We had looked after a few pubs for friends when we were younger and enjoyed it so thought we would have a do at it ourselves."

Smoke-free pubs on way?

TONY Blair has announced that a ban on smoking in all public places is on the way.

It is thought plans for a complete ban is in Labour's election manifesto and could lead to tobacco-free pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The Premier said: "There is no doubt about the damage smoking does. I think a lot of people who aren't smokers would prefer to be in an environment where no smoking takes place."

Meanwhile the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association has urged the Government to maintain a voluntary approach to smoking in public places.

CAMRA wants to welcome guests

ALL pubs may soon have to provide guest beers if the Campaign for Real Ale gets its way.

New CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner has revealed they are calling for a new guest beer law to enable pub tenants tied to pub companies to take an extra beer from a supplier of their choice.

Mr Benner said: "We will continue to speak out for Britain's 15 million beer drinkers on consumer rights, choice, competition and value for money."