BAILIFFS swooped on a pub yesterday and stripped it bare in front of the landlord.

The Penny Black pub, in Hartburn, Stockton, was emptied of fixtures, fittings, glasses, beer barrels and furniture.

But despite the seizures, landlord Ron Edwards was determined not to close, so he collected a handful of tables, chairs and glasses, and last night served customers from already open barrels.

Pub Enterprises, a franchise of Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, which manages the Penny Black, sent in the bailiffs after Mr Edwards became involved in a dispute over his contract.

He said he was determined not to be beaten.

"We are bringing an action against Scottish and Newcastle alleging breach of contract," he said. "We are not going to lie down and roll over."

Mr Edwards said that despite spending £45,000 on refurbishing the pub since he took over in January, profits have been less than he expected.

"We will probably go bankrupt," he said. "I'm devastated."

Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises spokeswoman, Lisa Balliache, said: "It is our policy to ensure that all lessees are made aware of their responsibilities when they sign a contract with the company."

The firm said it offered advice and guidance to tenants, who were also offered loans.

Ms Balliache said: "Where pubs are experiencing difficulties, rent agreements can be reviewed and support given - provided the lessee cooperates.

"In this case, the lessee has fallen behind on rental payments, leaving us with no alternative but to recoup our losses."