Nichola Swinburn has realised her childhood dream of owning her local village pub, 17 years after she first worked there.

The 31-year-old started her first job when she was 14, washing up at the Fox and Hounds, in Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle.

But as she scrubbed away at the dishes, the hard-working schoolgirl was determined to run the pub herself one day.

After working there at various times for four different owners, Nichola has now bought the pub, with her 27-year-old husband, Ian.

Nichola, who trained for two years at Darlington College of Technology to become a qualified caterer, said: "It is so strange thinking that I am finally the boss. I have worked under a few different owners over the years, but it still hasn't sunk in that I own it now."

Before buying the pub last week, Nichola and Ian ran the Chatterbox cafe and restaurant, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, for six years.

Ian, from Barnard Castle, grew up in a pub and also dreamt of one day running his own.

The couple are creating a new menu for the Fox and Hounds, which has a bar area and two dining rooms. So far, business is booming.

Nichola said: "It is absolutely manic at the moment, but we are both working really hard to get it right. To be honest. it is just like coming home, and it is all the better because now I don't have to answer to anyone - apart from my husband, of course."