ONE of Tyldesley's oldest pubs has reopened almost 176 years to the day after the first drinks were served there.

The totally revamped Bongs Tavern threw open its Castle Street doors to customers on Friday.

It began life as licensed premises when it opened as The King's Arms on April 10, 1824.

Built in 1823 the pub was at one time owned by ex-schoolteacher George Mort who brewed his own beer in nearby Alfred Street.

In the 1980s the Kings was revamped and reopened as Buckleys. The new name was given in honour of Tyldesley's history chronicler John Buckley who, ironically, was a leading teetoller and bequethed a water fountain to the town!

A further name change to the Kings Tavern followed. The pub closed two years ago but has now been fully renovated by the Northern Beer Company. It reopens as The Bongs Tavern and just like the original has its own brew. Not made on the premises but Bongs Bitter at 99p a pint is a local concoction on offer at the family pub which now boasts 12 room bed and breakfast accommodation.

And in an enterprising Castle Street revival the same people are responsible for the new style Butchers Arms and Pepe's Italian takeway which open next month.

The pub takes its new title from the town's ancient nickname of 'Bongs' which derives from the elevated banks on which the town centre is built.

History students suggest the pronunciation 'Bongs', rather than 'banks', harks back to Norman times and the French word 'banque'.

And to make people feel at home the new owners want to recapture scenes from old Tyldesley.

"Any pictures relating to the pub or area from at least 20 years ago are eagerly sought for copying. Originals will be returned," said a pub spokesman.

"Some locals have mentioned the existence of a tunnel between the Butchers and the Bongs Tavern - we'll be carrying out a survey of that possibility."

Winner of last week's Journal competition to join the VIP opening was Mrs Newton of Manchester Road, Astley.