A SUCCESSFUL Great Harwood pub that was recently recognised for its beer has now changed hands.

The Lomax Arms, in Church Street, was named in the Good Beer Guide 2003 four weeks ago and one week later the pub changed hands.

The previous landlord Derek Brunt moved out to open a new restaurant in the town and left his former barman, Richard Davies, in charge.

Richard, 39, took over on September 30 after working behind the bar of the popular town centre pub for nine months.

The former airman in the Royal Air Force has worked abroad in places such as Germany and the Falklands.

He has also worked behind the bar while in the RAF and in many pubs across Lancashire after he moved up north. "I've had quite a bit of experience but it was a bit hectic in the first week," he said.

"Thankfully things have calmed down now."

Richard, originally from Weston-super-Mare, also said that the regulars quickly acclimatised themselves to the change.

"What has been good is that the locals have been fine about the change.

"It's good that I've worked here before because they all know me.

"I know from working in other places that they can take a while to get used to a new landlord."

Richard took over the pub with his parents who gave up their guest house in Blackpool. They all live in the flat above the pub.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, the flat is quite large so I have my own self-contained part."

Richard said that as well as offering bar snacks and a function room with a bar he will keep the regular nights of quiz, karaoke and live acts. The pub will also continue with its football, netball and pool teams.