IT'S doubles all round for Bury business property specialists Kings Business Transfer.

For the agents have engineered the sale of two neighbouring pubs The New Inn and The Cricketers on Walmersley Road in the space of a week.

"The two pubs are within walking distance of one another and for them both to be sold within a few days of one another is highly unusual," said Chris Rowlands a partner at Bury-based Kings.

"They are both very popular community pubs and there was a lot of interest in them when they came to the market."

The New Inn's new licensee is Barbara Nichols, who is originally from Cambridge.

She'll be running the pub with her sister Debbie Hogg and her partner Steve Martin.

"I never been in he licence trade before but the three of us are all very excited by this venture," says Barbara, who is hoping the World Cup will help give the new hosts a kick-start.

"There were plenty of people in for the first game ofthe tournament and we are open for all the England and Ireland matches."

Meanwhile, the new landlady at The Cricketers is Maxine Flitcroft.

"I've done bar work in the past but this is my first pub so I'm really excited," said Maxine.

She will be helped by her son and daughter in the running of the pub.

Kings, who are located on St Mary's Place, are one of the North West's leading commercial agents in the retail and leisure sectors.

"We see that there is growing trend for people to want to get involved in the licensed trade. They are attracted by the indepence it offers them," added Mr Rowlands.

"In this case, the two Walmersley Road pubs enjoy excellent reputations and we wish the new landlords all the best."