THE new landlady of a pub in Ewood has announced the date of her official welcome party.

Geraldine Whalley said the event at the Moorings pub, on Bolton Road, will be held on Saturday September 28 from 7.30pm.

She said she and husband Anthony waited until the end of September because they wanted to get settled in, and the Irish band they wanted to book had such a long waiting list.

The pub has also been repainted on the outside and a new sign prepared, ready for the big night.

Geraldine, 26, moved into the pub with her husband Anthony, 35, on May 22 after five years at Shamus O'Donnell's, in Ewood.

The mother of two said she has had a hectic but enjoyable time moving in, as well as looking after her two boys Connor, five, and Billy, two.

Geraldine, originally from County Laois in Ireland, moved to Blackburn seven-and-a-half years ago.

The pub has already set up a new menu offering traditional pub fare and they plan to lay on entertainment nights in the future.

Geraldine said she has lived in the Ewood since she came over from Ireland and she likes the people here.

She said: "They are the one of the friendliest in the country."