REGULARS past and present gathered at a popular York pub to mark the end of an era behind the bar.

Linda and Dave Foster, of The Golden Ball in Bishophill, retired this week and the pub is being taken over by a local community cooperative.

A party was held on Wednesday night when customers gathered en masse to say goodbye.

Linda has been at the pub for 12 years and became the owner ten years ago today.

She said: “I am hoping to enjoy the garden and chill out a bit and am looking forward to being able to enjoy a Sunday lunch.

‘‘We have hundreds of good friends at the pub and on Wednesday night it was packed. We will miss it, but we will be back to visit.”

The couple are retiring to their home in Swinefleet, East Yorkshire.