A COUPLE who took the community of Barnton to their hearts during a spell of almost six years runnin (From Warrington Guardian)

A COUPLE who took the community of Barnton to their hearts during a spell of almost six years runnin

Mary and Stuart Piper, landlord and landlady of The Beech Tree pub, pulled their last pints on Monday.

They became heavily involved in village activities during their stay, but have decided they want to spend more time with their 12-year-old son William.

Mary and Stuart have moved back to Mary's roots in Congleton.

Stuart will be working as a chef in his cousin's Spar shop in Leek while Mary has another string to her bow as a qualified technician.

But she says her main priority now is her son William.

Mary said: "He had a fantastic start at Little Leigh Primary School and he is at a high school in Congleton."

During their time as licensees, Mary has tried to pull the community together by organising events such as a community day, which took place in May 2003.

She said: "We have really enjoyed our time here.

"We made some lovely friends, it has been absolutely amazing.

"People have been so upset we are leaving, we have had so many cards.

"It has really touched us."

She added: "It is going to be a wrench. It is not just your working life but your social life as well.

"We have made some wonderful friends.

"We couldn't have done it without the rest of the staff. We will still be keeping in touch."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk