One of the last pubs in St Paul's has been revived by one of the neighbourhood's own.

The St Paul's Tavern, in St Paul's Road, closed down last year after owners Admiral Taverns said it did not 'fit in' with its future plans.

The closure marked a sad day for the community, which once boasted a raft of drinking houses, including the Duke of Sussex and Hopalong Cassidy's.

After being sold to new owners, it was given a one-year stay of execution to prove its worth, and helping out behind the bar was St Paul's-born Nichola Morrison.

Since then, the 32-year-old, together with business partner Ben Callow, has proved her worth and managed to turn the pub's fortunes around.

The owners have now handed them the lease outright and say as long as the pub continues to turn over a profit, its future is secure.

Nichola, who used to live in a flat above the pub as a teenager, said: "Things are really looking up. The Tavern is an important part of the community and we have worked really hard to drive the place in the right direction.

"Being given the lease shows we must be doing something right. Hopefully it will continue to go from strength to strength."

Formerly known as the Victoria, the drinking house has been open since at least 1868, according to Cheltenham historian Vic Cole. Once known as a haven for trouble-makers, Nichola and her team have worked hard to clean up the pub's image, brightening up the interior and bringing in live music acts every week.

Staff now host an open microphone every Thursday and live bands every Saturday, as well as serving a 'recovery roast' on Sundays.

Nichola added: "We've tried to bring in a bit of style and class and it's gone down really well with people. There's never any trouble here any more because people know we just won't stand it.

"With so many pubs closing at the moment, it's a difficult time for the industry. But we hope by keeping things varied and vibrant we will continue to drive business up. St Paul's needs a pub to call its own."

Residents hope the pub, which is now under private Cheltenham-based owners, will stay open long-term. Councillor Paul Wheeldon (Lib Dem, St Paul's), said: "Nichola and her staff have done a fantastic job since coming in and has been a breath of fresh air for the area. People here need a place to get together, socialise and mingle. The Tavern is providing that and more."