THERE is a team of new faces behind the bar at The Ship at Upavon, after owners who fell in love with the village pub bought their dream business.

Clodagh and Nick Hayes moved to the area five years ago and ever since have had their eye on the popular 16th Century thatched pub.

When they were able to put a bid on buying the watering hole from a private equity company, they made their move and after a year of negotiations have taken over the keys.

They have welcomed local couple Jono Clarke and Rosie Kirby as landlords and their chef, Ben Beach is from Pewsey.

Mrs Hayes is excited to see her dream made into a reality and said: "When the pub came up for sale, we had the mad idea of buying it.

"We see it as a real village asset and wanted to make sure that it would continue as such.

“But it will be Rosie and Jono who will be doing the hard work, and they have always wanted to run a pub of their own.”