AFTER eight years running a dales pub, now accompanied by a change of name, a couple have taken over a town centre B&B.

Displaying, rather than hiding their roots, Bill and Janet Riding have re-named their newly-acquired guesthouse “The Roses” to reflect they are a proud Lancastrian and an equally proud Yorkshirewoman.

Running the Bolton Arms in Redmire for eight years and latterly, also the Three Horseshoes in Wensley, Mr and Mrs Riding enjoyed the lifestyle. However late last year they decided to take a new direction and sold both businesses.

On hearing the Dales Haven Guest House in Leyburn was for sale, it appeared to be just what they were looking for.

After inspecting the premises, they made up their mind very quickly and purchased the property.

The couple say they will miss the social aspect of the running a pub. They said: “We thought of several names for the guest house but decided on the Roses and it’s already become a talking point with most people guessing correctly why we called it that.

“We enjoy having gusts and hope we have some happy times here.”

The inter-county rivalry does not come into sport, or politics but they do have a slight issue over their relative merits of leading culinary creations from their respective parts of the world. Mr Riding doesn’t like the world-famous accompaniment for a roast dinner, Yorkshire Pudding, whilst Mrs Riding confesses to not being able to make a decent Lancashire Hot pot, but is working on it. However despite this, continuing marital harmony is assured.