BRIDPORT'S longest -serving licensees are finally calling time after more than a quarter of a century behind the same bar. Ken and Brenda Graham are upping anchor as mine hosts at the town's Lord Nelson pub.

To mark their retirement at the end of this month, Palmers brewery chiefs gave them a farewell lunch at the Marquis of Lorne.

Tributes were paid to the couple whose loyalty and professionalism' over a quarter of century was acknowledged. They had run the house to extremely high standards' said Palmers tenanted trade director Tim Woodrow.

Mr Graham said they were sorry to be saying goodbye to the many friends they had made at the pub over the years. "It's been a good and happy 25 years but we're both pensioners now and we think it's time to retire. We hope to do a bit of travelling and have a go at bowls."

Appropriately Mr Graham, 65, took over the Lord Nelson after leaving the Royal Navy and he and his wife, 60, have established it as one of the town's friendliest locals' pubs. They plan to live at Salway Ash in their retirement and Mr Graham, for 18 years chairman of the Bridport Table Skittles League, will continue to support the organisation as its president.

"We want to thank all our regulars and friends who have supported us over the years," he added.

The Grahams leave on May 29 and new licensee will be Sally Aburrow who is moving to the town from the Southampton area.