RUNNING your own pub is becoming an increasingly popular option for those taking early retirement or finding themselves out of work because of redundancy.

Bury-based commercial property specialists Kings Business Transfer believe there has been a significant upturn in the market in he last 12 months.

Gerry Murphy, a partner at Kings says: "After a decade of change in the pub sector there are many opportunities.

"Increasingly, people are looking at the lifestyle benefits of running their own business in a beautiful surroundings.

"That's what running a country pub means for a lot of people. It's a lifestyle choice that clearly appeals to an increasing number of people."

He added that the attraction of becoming your own boss is strong among those who have taken early retirement or those who are looking to invest a redundancy package in a worthwhile business.

"More and more people are on the lookout for a good pub business either because they have redundancy money to invest or have taken early retirement.

"We have a wide selection of properties available throughout the North West and Yorkshire and the market has certainly picked up over the last few months after a difficult time last year."

He went on: "The area was hit by a fall in tourism because of foot and mouth but that is behind us now and the market has picked up.

"We have sold a number of country pubs over the first six months right across the region.

"And there is plenty of interest in the others we have on our books."

Kings, whose headquarters are St Mary's Place in Bury, are one of the North West's leading commercial agents in the retail and leisure sectors.