Gordon and Christine Peacock's hearts fell when they arrived to take over the running of the Burlington Arms in Keighley.

A policeman was escorting a troublemaker out and the Market Street pub, which "looked like a dirty hole".

Now, 25 years later, the couple say they have loved every minute of their time there and wouldn't swap it for the world.

They are now preparing to hand over management of the Timothy Taylor pub to their daughter but stress they will still be familiar faces behind the bar.

Gordon and Christine celebrated 25 years by selling drinks at 1979 prices along with a free buffet.

Many regulars, along with old friends from their previous pub, the Woodhouse, dropped in to sample bitter at 35p and shorts at 50p.

The couple have been together for about 46 years and moved into their first pub, the town's second Grinning Rat, 34 years ago.

They remained at the Hainworth Wood Road pub, which became the Woodhouse, for about seven years.

They moved to a country pub -- The Windmill Inn, at Shelf -- but after three years realised they preferred town hostelries.

Christine said the only pub available was the Burlington Arms, far from an ideal first choice, but they grew to love it after refurbishing the living quarters.

Speaking during the celebrations, she said: "Now I love everyone here. It's always busy. There's not a soul in today that we don't know."

Christine claimed that even when Burlington Arms drinks are being sold at 2004 rather than 1979 prices, they are still the cheapest in Keighley.

Gordon and Christine have a daughter, Tina, who has worked at the pub since she was 18, and a son, Bruce. Christine said: "Tina's 40 years old this year, so we want to give the pub to her for her birthday. We'll stay here until we retire."