A familiar face to many has stepped up to become the landlady of a Westhoughton pub after the previous landlords moved on to a new chapter.

Claire Loynd took over as landlady at The Wheatsheaf  this week and is excited for the future as she finds her feet.

She had been working at the pub for a year as a bar manager before she stepped up to the role.

Former landlords, couple Jack and Callum David-Rawlinson made the decision to move on after an opportunity came up to take on The Old Fire Station in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Claire said: “The Old Fire Station was refurbished a few months ago, and they wanted someone to help build it up.

The Bolton News: Read our top stories below:

“I am only just getting my feet on the ground and having a look at what different things we can do, but it’s massively exciting.

“It’s very much a community pub that is a part of the community.

“We want to make people feel as though they are part of the pub family, and not just a customer.”

Although Claire has been in the pub industry for a number of years, she only just returned to the industry.

The Bolton News: She added: “When I was younger my dad had run a few pubs, so I helped him out and ever since I have worked in them.”

One of the best things about her job, Claire says, is that each day is different.

Claire says she is feeling confident and excited to when looking ahead.

She said: “You don’t know who you will meet.

“You have your regulars and different people from all walks of life.

“It’s a change of pace, but I am excited for the challenge.”

The pub has also undergone an extensive refurbishment recently.

There will be a welcoming party on Friday February 9 at the pub on Market Street, for Claire and her husband Brad who helps her out.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.