A SUCCESSFUL pub operator has announced plans for a £5 million expansion into Bolton and the surrounding area.

Jennings Brothers, the North of England leased pub operator and Lakeland brewer, is moving into 2005 with plans to buy more pubs throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Last year Jennings - which currently operates the New Inn in Leigh and the Spread Eagle in Turton - added eight more pubs to its estate across the North, but is now focusing on the area surrounding Bolton.

John Houghton, pub operations director, said: "Our aim is to continue to grow our business through the acquisition of traditional pubs.

"The traditional pub plays an important role in life and we want to ensure that people in and around Bolton are given the opportunity to enjoy good beer, good food and good service

"We are always on the lookout for new pubs to add to our estate and 2005 will see us extend this further as we work to invest £5 million per annum.

"Last year saw the continued expansion of Jennings with our acquisition of some first-class pubs as well as the partnership with some excellent lessees.

"This is something we shall continue this year."