A PUB in Newton-le-Willows has welcomed a new licensee.

The Victoria pub on Wargrave Road received a new licensee last month as Maria Muggridge took on the role.

Maria, originally from Sussex, moved to Newton-le-Willows to be closer to family, with the pub becoming a new local.

When an opportunity surfaced, the former bus operations manager decided it was "time for a career change" and took a leap of faith.

Maria told the Star: "I’ve been a regular here for two years and I knew that the licensee was going, and it was time for a career change, and I thought ‘I’m gonna give it a go.’

St Helens Star: Maria took a leap of faith as she had a career changeMaria took a leap of faith as she had a career change (Image: St Helens Star)

“It was such a quick process and I’m loving every minute of it; it’s been a crazy month and we’ve made a lot of improvements.”

The 46-year-old also detailed on the plans ahead for the pub, describing the beer garden as ‘an asset’ due to its size and potential.

St Helens Star: Maria described the pub's garden as an 'asset' Maria described the pub's garden as an 'asset' (Image: St Helens Star)

The new licensee added: “It’s a family-orientated pub so we’re going to continue doing family fun days and hopefully have some live bands here.

“The feedback from customers has been really good and there are new customers coming in all the time, which is fantastic.”