PUB managers Diane and Michael Heys are hoping to use their years of pub experience to boost the popularity of the Woodlands Hotel in Preston New Road, Blackburn.

The couple, who have managed the Royal Hotel in Heysham between 1997 and 2000 and The Queen's in Accrington from 1994 to 1997, already have lots of plans for the pub. Diane, 38, said: "We are serving traditional home cooking and there is ten per cent off for pensioners. We have a steak night on Tuesdays.

"Starting on Tuesday, February 13 we are going to have quiz nights with supper provided and we are also hoping to have jazz bands on Saturday nights once we have an entertainment licence."

The 24-bed hotel has an area for pool and darts and the new managers are hoping to form pub football and netball teams.

The couple, have two children Jane, 16, and Declan, nine. They also brought 19-year-old Shelley, an employee at their previous pub, along with them. They are looking for people to use the basement, which was formerly a Greek restaurant, and are waiting to hear about the brewery's plans to redecorate the pub.

Diane said: "We are wanting to get the old customers back in as well as attracting new ones and we are not just aiming at one particularly age group."