A COUPLE who have run a Dodworth pub for 25 years celebrated their milestone - and revealed they won’t be slowing down any time soon.

Jim and Joyce Weightman have run the Thornely Arms, on High Street, since 1996.

The pair previously ran the Cross Keys, Wath-upon-Dearne, before taking a few years away from the pub scene to travel.

However, their break didn’t last long when they were given the opportunity to run the Thornely Arms alongside the building’s landlords, Admiral Taverns.

“We have some really great regulars that come into the pub,” said Jim, 72. “It didn’t take us long to say ‘yes’ to running it and get stuck in.

“We have seen a lot over the years - I remember bringing in the Millennium and all the new year parties.

“The people in Dodworth are really great and when we moved here we felt like we were part of one big family, I think that’s why we have been here so long.”

Jim and Joyce love the pub so much that they have signed on for an additional five-year lease.

“Even though I am getting a bit older, I’m not ready to give the pub up just yet,” he added.

“We want to keep the pub as a place people can come to socialise because that’s the traditional aspect.

“I can’t believe we have been running the pub for 25 years, especially as the last year was very difficult, but here’s to reaching the 30-year mark.”