REGULARS at a Consett pub have raised their glasses to the couple who have served them for the past 16 years.

The landlord and landlady of The Grey Horse, in Consett, Paul and Rosaleen Conroy, retired yesterday and were presented with a garden seat.

It was given to them by members of the pub's Teatime Club, who meet for a drink on their way home from work.

There were also donations from local cyclists known as Team Viagra.

Teatime Club member Joe Toner said: "When they are relaxing in the garden, they can sit and remember all the good times in The Grey Horse.

"They are not just the landlord and landlady - they are great friends.

"Their hospitality is amazing. They welcomed everyone and they have bent over backwards for their customers.

"Everyone appreciated all the hard work they have put in and they are generous to a fault."

Mr Toner said Mr Conroy, 58, put real ale in Consett on the map by making his own brews with local reference, such as Red Dust, Steel Town and Pott's Clock.

The couple kept locals entertained with beer festivals, quiz nights and had games evenings.

They have been given vouchers by the card school and the NHS IT group.

Mrs Conroy, 49, said: "We would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their kindness and their custom over the years.

"We have got mixed emotions and feel happy and sad at the same time.

"Over all of the years, we have never had any trouble here and not once needed to call the police. We have got the nicest people ever."