A PUB that was threatened with closure earlier this year has been given a new lease of life after the community it served rallied to keep it open.

The Master Mariner, in Gibbonsdown, Barry, faced being demolished to make way for flats, but the regulars, led by mum-of-two Abby Germon and a committee, persuaded Brains SA to give them a trial run.

And the company was so impressed with the strength of feeling and the ideas put forward, that it decided the pub should remain – and get a modern makeover.

Now a team leader, Mrs Germon, 28, whose family had worked at the pub at various times since 1984, said: “The pub has a big place in my heart.

“I wrote a hand-written letter to Brains and I also emailed them, and I didn’t think anyone was going to come of it, but lo and behold I had an email back.”

Following a six-month probation, the company said it was saved and there were major plans.

“I just ran around screaming,” she said. “I’m really excited. I want to thank the community for their support.”