THIRTEEN may be unlucky for some but it has proved an excellent omen for John O'Reilly.

John has been handed the general manager's role at the new Orange House in Hammerton Street, 13 years after arriving in Burnley as a cellar man.

Mr O'Reilly left Dublin in 1988 to come to England and settled in Burnley where he took bar work at Yates's Wine Lodge.

After impressing senior management he was promoted through the chain and most recently he ran Essex's Ilford Yates's but has now moved back to the town where it all began.

He has been installed at Luminar Leisure's Orange House which opens on August 31 and admits it is great to be back in Burnley.

He said: "This is where I kick-started my career and I always had a real soft spot for the town, that, combined with the potential of Orange House, made returning an easy decision to make.

"I have visited the other Orange House units in the country and they create a fantastic atmosphere.

"They are essentially a traditional pub with low volume music and good food -- the emphasis is on customers relaxing and being well treated.

"There are a lot of modern trendy brands and concepts springing up around the country but the Orange House is not attempting to break new ground -- it just gives customers what they want.

"I am really looking forward to opening in Burnley -- the town has a great atmosphere and a fun loving public."

"When I first arrived here and took bar work I never dreamed I would be opening the town's newest venue 13 years later." Mr O'Reilly's appointment continues the investment that Luminar Leisure is making in Burnley, the company already owns Chicago Rock Cafe and The Works nightclub, and regional manager Chris Teague believes the Orange House in the former Mean Cat Daddies will be a further boost to the town.

He said: "John is very well respected within the industry for his running of bars and pubs and we are delighted that he has taken the Burnley post.

"His wealth of experience will be invaluable in delivering the best possible service to the people of the town, he proved that by running a 600-capacity unit in Ilford.

"Everywhere he has taken charge has flourished and we are convinced this will be no exception."