The popular landlord at the Spread Eagle pub in Bromley Cross is moving on.

George Campbell has been heading up the pub nearly three years but has been offered an opportunity at a new establishment in Kirkby Stephen that he simply 'can’t turn down'

During lockdown, under George’s leadership, the Spread Eagle became a community hub, providing a fruit and vegetable market, as well as being the base for the Bromley Cross Supper Group which co-ordinated Christmas and Easter gifts for the elderly residents and gifts during VE Day celebrations.

The pub also assisted with the organisation of volunteers for the vaccination programme in the area – a period of time that George puts down as his proudest in the role.

The Bolton News: George and some of the local community when co-ordinating Easter gifts for the local elderly George and some of the local community when co-ordinating Easter gifts for the local elderly

In the three years, George and his team have won a number of awards, the most precious of which was a ‘Spirit of the Community’ award, presented by local villagers for George and his staff’s contribution to the local community throughout Covid.

He said: “I will miss the people, mostly. There’s a good range of characters in the village.

“I want to thank my staff and team for their hard work over the years. Without them we wouldn’t have been able to do what we have done.

READ: Friendly pub which became hub of the community during lockdown

“It really is a team effort.”

This historic pub has stood on the site on Hough Lane for over 100 years and will be occupied by a new patron once George leaves in about seven weeks time.

The Bolton News: George and his staff receiving a collage as part of the 'Spirit of the Community' awardGeorge and his staff receiving a collage as part of the 'Spirit of the Community' award

George foresees a 'seamless transfer' once the new business owners are recruited, saying that the pub will continue to be the heart of the community.

“There is a proper sense of community in Bromley Cross,” he said. “Make sure you continue to support the pub and its new publican.”

George is making sure that his exit will not be a quiet one and is planning the 'leaving party of the century'.

He said: “I’m waiting for my leaving date then we’ll be able to start planning, but it will be the end of September.

“Hopefully everyone will come along – everyone I’ve dealt with over the years.

“It’ll be a family event, everybody is welcome.”