WHEN the new landlord of The Plough pub took over the venue he had no idea that he was carrying on a family tradition.

Matt Verman has spent the last two months redeveloping the watering hole, in Fish Street, Worcester, oblivious to the fact his great-aunt had lived in, and ran it, in the 1970s.

It seems Hilda Bearcroft and her parents were in the pub for at least 20 years, when it was a favourite meeting place of fishermen.

Mr Verman said: "My mum happened to mention it the other day, and just assumed it was something I knew.

"I was completely taken aback. I decided to go for the Plough because there was a battle to keep it open and I couldn't let it close. I had no idea about the family connection.

"I am now talking to other family members to find out about the pub when we ran it back in the 70s. I have managed to get hold of some old photos and know that fishermen used to stay overnight in the pub.

"I find it fascinating I'm not the first member of my family to run The Plough and can't wait to find out more."

Mr Verman, born and bred in Worcester, saved the 400-year-old pub from closure.

He joined a campaign by the real ale group CAMRA to stop the Grade II Listed building becoming solicitors' offices.

He has spent £10,000 sprucing up the place and is delighted to be doing his bid for the Faithful City's history.

The former HMV manager, who last worked in a pub 11 years ago, said: "I heard The Plough was going to close and I just could not let that happen. I had a word with the owner and I was delighted to be given a chance to run it.

"I just hope I don't disappoint everyone who campaigned to keep it open. I hope they enjoy our homemade meals and, of course, our real ales."

The Plough is due to re-open on Wednesday March 3.