PUB regulars have dubbed him the "white bear of the White Rose".

Landlady Michelle McGowan proudly shows off her massive Alsatian, named Bear, who has proved a hit with customers since she took over behind the pumps at the White Rose Pub, in Cornlands Road, Acomb, York.

Michelle, 41, who previously worked in the pub trade in Exeter, has declared a new era for the premises, and introduced a raft of fresh features to make it the hub of the community.

Michelle said she would not tolerate any trouble, and anyone found taking drugs would immediately be barred.

She has introduced pool, darts and a football team, quiz nights, live blues music and karaoke sing-a-longs.

Car boot sales will also be held in the pub's car park on Sundays, and children will be allowed into the premises in an effort to create a family atmosphere.

"The pub was very dirty when we took over," said Michelle, who has achieved a £1,000 increase in takings in just two weeks.

"We had to have it fumigated.

"We're having new beer pipes and heads put in, which will make it nicer, and cleaning the carpets.

"It's a case of out with the old in with the new. We started the car boot sales at a pub in Exeter and they really took off.

"I want the pub to be a focal point for the community."

Michelle said Bear was a great guard dog, and also entertained customers by jumping over the bar in one leap.

"Bear is only a year old and is a real character," she said.

"When he was a pup, everyone used to say he looked like a polar bear, so the name just stuck.

"He is a great guard dog, but is also a bit of a pussy cat really. The local schoolchildren love him and come in just to see him. White Alsatians are very rare.

"I never get any trouble in here because people can see him behind the bar with me. He's helping trade."

Michelle, who works alongside her son, Callum, said a party to welcome them into the pub will be held on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Updated: 10:02 Wednesday, March 01, 2006