THE landlord and landlady of one of East Lancashire's first Italian restaurants are saying arrivederci.

John and Joyce Threlfall have sold the Pack Horse in Grane Road, Belthorn, to Christine Yates, who has been manager for more than 10 years.

The couple are retiring after 18 years. They previously ran the Victoria in Tockholes, Ye Olde Brown Cow in Haslingden Road, Blackburn, and the Coach and Horses further along the road towards Haslingden.

Mrs Threlfall said: "We have worked in the licensed trade for more than 25 years and it is hard work with long hours so we are looking forward to enjoying some spare time.

"Christine has been here for a long time as manager and so we couldn't be leaving the pub in better hands."

Christine said she has no immediate plans to change the Pack Horse.