ATHERTON town centre will be a richer place for drinkers with the refurbishment of The Wheatsheaf - a favourite main street hostelry.

Now under the John Willie Lees wing, the Oldham brewery will have Bob and Sue Meadows as tenants taking over from Noel Brindle who spent 14 years at The Wheatsheaf as Atherton's longest serving licensee.

Bob and Sue, also hosts at The Letters Inn which they will continue to run, know how popular Lees brews have been in the town and have some additional attractions on offer to make The Wheatsheaf the place to be.

Sporting personalities from the world of Rugby League and cricket were in town last Friday for a successful buffet re-opening after refurbishment.

They mingled with lunchtime customers and excited members of the Lees family who foresee a bright future with this latest venture.

With catering facilities for up to 50 people, Mine Host Bob explained how ideas in the pipeline includes sporstman's dinners for small organisations such as local soccer and rugby clubs.

And coming up are theme evenings celebrating Halloween, Bonfire Night and a programme of Irish nights.

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