A COMMUNITY owned pub has appointed a manager.

Chris Pobjoy has been chosen to take on the role at the Bevy in Bevendean, Brighton, which is due to open early next month.

The Bevy is the UK's first community-owned pub on a council estate in the county and has more than 700 shareholders.

Mr Pobjoy’s first job will be to manage the final stages of the pub’s refurbishment ahead of its reopening day.

He said: “Having previously owned and run the award winning-community pub the Romans in Southwick for nearly 10 years, it was only a project like the Bevy that would have enticed me back to the trade.

“The determination of the committee and shareholders to deliver this outstanding community asset is what won me over. When open, the Bevy will be more like a community centre, with a bar and cafe, as much as anything.

“Working with dozens of local community groups including the local church, St Andrews, we aim to provide not only a safe and all inclusive place to meet and socialise over a drink or a meal also where groups can use rooms for local community projects.”

The pub won the Business in the Community award at last year’s Argus Achievement Awards.