A familiar face can be found behind the bar at a village pub.

Derek Gallagher took over The Volunteer pub in Darcy Lever at the end of October, after previously running the Queen Elizabeth in Great Lever.

After running it for some time, Derek, a well-known publican, says he was ready for a new challenge.

Derek runs the pub with his son Elliot, aged 22, which is managed by Tonge Leisure.

He said: “I needed a new challenge.

“It’s been really busy.

“A lot of my old customers have followed me.

“I don’t want to be big headed, but I am quite popular and well-known.

The Bolton News: Derek and his son ElliotDerek and his son Elliot (Image: Public)

“I’m very excited and I can’t wait.”

Derek has worked in the industry for 20 years and says he 'enjoys' his life.

His love of the industry goes back to when he was in a pub and thought he could do a 'better job'.

Derek then took the leap and bought his first pub – The Grey Mare Inn in Harwood.

He added: “Every day is a different challenge.

“I enjoy my life.

“I have done it for 20 years and will do for years to come.”

He is planning to stay at the pub for the foreseeable future.

The Volunteer pub is now the only pub in the village, with the other three closing down.

Derek said: "We are friendly and welcoming, with a lot of sports games and live music every month.

The Bolton News:

“It’s a very community run pub.”

Three football teams from Bolton Lads & Girls Club usually come to the pub after a game on Hacken Lane, as well as two pool teams, and two dart teams.

The pub has a wide selection of cask ales, with as many as 13 to choose from.

Customers can also expect a big choice of wines, and all the popular gins.

Campaigner for defibrillators Claire Axon, recently raised money for a defibrillator box, which has now been installed at The Volunteer Pub, and training is expected to be set up.

Derek says there is a lot planned for the pub going forward, and that there are “exciting times ahead”.

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