A MAN named Britain’s youngest landlord is hoping to transform Rossendale into a drinkers’ paradise as he opens another pub.

Thomas O’Toole, 20, has been at the helm of Madison’s Wine Bar, in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, for seven months, after working as a barman there for four years.

He has now decided to spread his success by also reopening The Bridge End Hotel, in Helmshore.

Thomas said: “The brewery Punch Taverns offered me a really good deal on the rent of The Bridge End. If I’m honest the opportunity was just too good to turn down.

“The pub needs a good clean and a touch of paint but it has a fantastic beer garden which could really draw in the customers if it is run correctly.”

Budding actor Thomas who has appeared in Hollyoaks, TV adverts and Waterloo Road, hopes the area could now become a ‘drinking destination’ if more pubs are taken on.

He said: “The pub trade is definitely picking up, there is no doubt about that. People on a night out want to go somewhere where there is a bit of life and a few pubs together like Burnley.

“Now the nightclub Vogue has opened I am confident people will start looking a Rossendale differently. It could easily be a busy as Burnley on a weekend.”

He will split his time between the two venues, with weekends at Madison’s, which is only open Thursday, Friday, Saturday Sunday, after running The Bridge End during the week leaving it to a manager at weekends.

Thomas, who hopes to open his new venture on May 13 with a family funday, said anyone who wanted to work at The Bridge End should take their CV to Madison’s.

The event will include a bucking bronco, dancers, singers and a barbecue.