A PUB landlord is bitter that a duo he booked for a big night out on Saturday failed to show up.

The Rope and Anchor in Bolton Old Road, Atherton, was packed with customers who paid to see the Manchester act Soul 4 2.

Fans turned up from Burnley, Padiham, Bolton and Liverpool to see the popular pair, but when they hadn't arrived by 9pm licensees Terry and Shirley Miller began to panic.

They claim they contacted a member of the duo at his West Gorton home who said he was watching television and was unaware of the booking.

Now a disappointed Terry, who had to return the ticket money, wants to aplogise to customers for the disappointment, and thank regular and friend Carl Williams, of Atherton, for stepping in to save the day.

DJ Carl set up his disco and entertained the crowds alone.

Terry said: "The whole thing was very embarrassing. The duo are good performers and popular with customers. They have been here before and we had tickets printed which went well. People were coming from all over in taxis, but when the act didn't turn up we were left with egg on our faces.

"I phoned a member of the duo and he said he was watching television and was unaware of the booking. This we found incredulous. The act was booked weeks ago and had been confirmed. He never even bothered to ring back with a suitable explanation as to why they didn't turn up.

"Being let down in this way caused great disappointment and inconvenience and we can assure customers the act will never be booked to appear here again.

"On the positive side we'd like to thank Carl for doing a tremendous job in turning an awkward situation into a successful night."

A spokesman for the duo was unavailable for comment.