MIDDLESBROUGH'S newest pub was officially launched at the weekend by local businessman Alan Chapman and he cut the ribbon with BBC Tees radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough.

The White Feather is named after Boro Fabrizio Ravanelli, and based on Norfolk Place, Berwick Hills in Middlesbrough

Chapman said: “It has been a brilliant start for us this weekend, many people joined us for the special opening weekend and our first Sunday lunch day was a total sell - out!

“People have said that it must have been a difficult thing to do re opening a new pub/ bistro as so many are closing down.

“I drive around Teesside and see so many of them closed down, closing down, for sale and for lease.

“I feel that at The White Feather we are offering something very different. I have invested a sizeable chunk of my own money and I know this will work.

“I am creating work for a decent number of people and we as a team are all focused on making this a venture for the town to be proud of.’’

He added: “The phone has never stopped ring for people wanting to join us for the Festive period and for the locals it will mean not having to battle through the town and in a much more relaxed atmosphere.

“We have some fantastic prints of Rav and the Boro players from the brilliant Bryan Robson era on the walls and people loved having their pictures taken alongside them this weekend.

“It was a period that Boro fans will never forget and customers have instantly recalled that unforgettable time.’’

The 61-year-old businessman also runs Woodfellas Flooring based in the town where other local people are employed.