A YOUNG barmaid is helping an historic brewery stay ahead of the times after becoming the youngest landlady in its history.

At just 24 Faith Brown has seen her name go "over the door" at the Bay Horse pub in Unsworth, owned by Joseph Holt.

Ms Brown began working at the pub two years ago after taking up a second role to earn some extra cash and supplement her job in a bakery.

After nine months behind the bar, the Bay Horse's landlady, Christine Claxton-Counsell, encouraged Ms Brown to take a brewery licensing course and exam so she could do relief work if she was ever away.

With her new qualifications behind her, when the position of landlady came up Ms Brown felt equipped to successfully apply for the position.

She said: “I had been working behind the bar when I heard that the landlady was retiring and I just thought, why not?

"I know the pub and really thought I could do the job.

“I absolutely love it but it has been a steep learning curve.

"Having said that I just enjoy everything about the job – from cellar work, such as changing the barrels, to office work, and of course serving customers.”

Already making her mark on the pub, Ms Brown is brimming with ideas to make the establishment event better, and hopes her success will inspire more younger people to be ambitious.

She said: “I want to introduce more Saturday night entertainment such as Motown or 80`s nights. And I`ve made the general music in the pub a little louder as it really creates a lively atmosphere.

"At the moment it is all a little overwhelming but I also hope my appointment shows that you`re never too young to show what you are capable of doing.”

The popular Bay Horse pub has been quenching the thirst of patrons for decades and is one of 127 Joseph Holt pubs across the North West.

It was rebuilt in 1965 and boasts a range of entertainment as well as a function room and beer garden.

Richard Kershaw, chief executive of Joseph Holt Brewery, said: “Faith is a huge asset to the brewery and I`m delighted to see her hard work, enthusiasm and enterprise is being recognised at such a young age.

"I`m sure under her stewardship the Bay Horse will go from strength to strength.”