THERE were a few sore heads in Ottery on Monday morning as residents bade a fond farewell to much-loved pub staff last weekend.

THERE were a few sore heads in Ottery on Monday morning as residents bade a fond farewell to much-loved pub staff last weekend.

Licensees of The Lamb and Flag were forced to close its doors "with a heavy heart" on Sunday after falling victim to the current economic climate.

Landlord John White poured his last pint and was given a fitting send off as customers drank the pub dry, handing him the proceeds to mark years of loyal service.

Phylis Baxter, of Ottery's Tourist Information Centre, was amongst the festivities and said: "It was an absolutely wondeful atmosphere. Some lovely characters of the town have been drinking in there for years. Its quite sad that another piece of old Ottery is gone."

Born and bread Ottregian Ray Pollard, 65, had visited the pub for as far back as he can remember and said: "It's sad in some ways, another pub in Ottery is gone, it was a real pub and a real central part of the town. There aren't any others like it for me. Tar Barrels night just won't be the same. John will be missed. We gave him a good send off."

Company Punch Taverns, who own the premises, said that it may not be the end of the road for the pub. A spokesperson added: "Our priority is to re-open the Lamb and Flag as soon as we possibly can. We are in the process of recruiting a new licensee to run it for us.