A COUPLE who have retired from managing a club have decided their first task is to become its latest members.

After more than 30 years of serving pints behind the bar at Harrogate Conservative Club, in East Parade, Derek Prest and wife Irene will be buying their drinks from the other side of the counter.

Mr Prest, 65, said: "We liked the friendliness of the place so much, that's why we stayed so long. I don't think we could live without it now.

"We want to continue drinking here, even if someone else is serving us, and the reason is this club has played such a major part in our lives."

Since they took over in 1974 as steward and stewardess the couple have lived in a flat at the club.

After stepping down they insisted on finding a home within walking distance.