AN East Lancashire landlady has returned to her roots to take up the reins of one of the town's most popular watering holes.

Christine Ashworth has cut short her 13-year sabbatical from the licensed trade to take charge of The Angel Inn in Accrington Road, just 500 yards from her former pub The Fleece Inn.

The 49-year-old mother-of-two said: "I'm delighted to be back behind the bar in an area that could be described as my spiritual home.

"I've missed it greatly and I can't wait to get back into the swing of things."

And Christine, along with partner Trevor, hopes to pick up where former landlady Ann Fleming left off.

"Ann certainly left everything in good working order, she's a tough act to follow but I'm sure we can keep things to a high standard," she said.