FORMER Coronation Street barman Andy McDonald has found the pub industry is right up his street.

For Andy's alter-ego, actor Nick Cochrane, has taken on a new role as advertising and marketing manager with the Bolton-based Wish Inns Group.

And the 32-year-old is determined to drag some of the Weatherfield regulars away from the Rovers Return to appear at the pub.

Nick, who will be based at The Swan, on Churchgate, said: "Since leaving Coronation Street, I went in to PR and marketing.

"I have known the chairman of the group, Nick Hogan, for ten years and we have worked on marketing projects together."

He said: "I am looking to bring the cast of Coronation Street and Hollyoaks here.

"With their filming schedules and personal commitments it's difficult to tie them down to specific dates but it's fair to say there will be some famous faces appearing at the pub."

But Nick did promise that Simon Gregson, who plays Street character Steve McDonald, will be bringing his band to The Swan to entertain punters in the future.

Nick, who lives in Manchester, left the soap in 1997, and, although he has made comeback appearances, he has no plans to go back to acting full time.

After leaving the programme, Nick launched a soap magazine which he later sold.

"I don't mind going back to Coronation Street every now and again, but the world of acting is so uncertain, you are always waiting for the phone to ring.

"I now have a family to think off," said Nick, who has two children four-year-old son Sam, and 19-month-old daughter Lucia.

Although Nick is not an Bolton lad, he is no stranger to the town. He said: "I have friends here and really like it. I will be spending a lot more time here.

"I will be overseeing three pubs in Bolton; The Swan, Barristers and Eden on Bradshawgate which we have just acquired and are relaunching as The Signet Bar.

"We are also looking to acquire a pub in Wigan and have The Swan with Two Necks in Chorley and The Waterside in Bury."