The landlord of a popular pub has issued an emotional goodbye to his locals after confirming he is stepping down. 

Graham Worrallo, of the White Hart on Wroughton High Street, has said that March 16 will be his last full weekend and expressed sadness at leaving.

He said in a Facebook post: “We can't always carry out the plans we make and our future doesn't always go how you thought it would.

“It is with this said that I'm absolutely gutted to be moving away from this amazing community.”

Swindon Advertiser: White Hart pub, WroughtonHe added: “Giving the White Hart back to the community has been a huge privilege and we have seen a huge growth in numbers of customers returning and visiting over my past 15 months in your beautiful village.

“I have made great friends and built some long-term friendships in this time.

“I want to thank you for your continued support and I hope to see as many of you over the coming weeks.”

He suggested that interested parties are keen to build on "the foundations of the past 15 months".

The Grade II-listed pub was put up for sale by the owner Butcombe Brewery in December for £925,000.

The pub and brewery were approached for comment.