A TEENAGER is set to swap lectures for lager after becoming one of the youngest landlords in the UK.

John Oldfield, of Urswick, will take the reins at The General Burgoyne pub and restaurant in Great Urswick at the start of next month - despite only being 19-years-old.

The youngster - who has been working behind the bar at the Church Road venue for more than a year - said he decided to take on the challenge because he refused to see the business “join the worryingly long list” of pubs closing down in the area.

John, a former pupil at Dowdales School and Barrow Sixth Form College, said: “I found out in January that there would be a change of hands later in the year.

“I didn’t really have any set plans for life after college and I knew university wasn’t for me. The idea of taking on the pub had been brought up in conversation but I had never spoken about it seriously.

“But it was one evening in June when I suddenly decided I would go for it.

“So, with my student life coming to an end and my local pub which I have so much love for in desperate need to take it over I saw it as being a great first venture for me.”

Officially launching on Friday, October 5, from 5pm, guests are invited to enjoy live entertainment from local singer Becki Fishwick, as well as mind-boggling magic and tricks from Lakes Wedding magicians.

The pub - which will now be open seven days a week - boasts a brand new gin bar, free wifi and the introduction of Fizzy Fridays for all the Prosecco fans.

Barrow AFC super-fan John says the pub will also include a pool table and darts board as well as new TV screens playing Sky Sports and BT Sport.

He continued: “People tell me that I must be one of the youngest landlords in the UK, but to be honest this isn’t something I think about much,

“I want to get the pub back on its feet and to being a vibrant country pub at the heart of the community and I feel like I have the energy, enthusiasm and patience to be able to do that.”

A brand new lunch and dinner menu will be on offer for those looking to dine out, including a pie, peas and quiz night and a Sunday roast - and the eatery has even started taking bookings for Christmas Day.

John’s father, John Oldfield, 59, who works at BAE Systems, said: “When he first started working at The General Burgoyne he was chucked in at the deep end behind the bar and it went from strength to strength.

“I was thinking, ‘we could make this work and I will be right behind you.’

“He’s taken the bull by the horns and we’re all really excited.

“We’re all going to make a good go of it and the whole village is buzzing, we can’t wait.

“I’m bursting with pride. We’re all really proud.”