OUTGOING landlord Shane Pym hopes that the Bottle Inn at Marshwood - and its nettle-eating contest - can be saved.

The pub, famous for its renowned world stinging nettle eating championships, was set to close at the end of this month.

But hopes are high that the business and the legendary contest will continue.

Tenant Shane Pym started the annual event in 1997 but, after 11 years at The Bottle, will leave on October 7.

He said: "The pub was set for closure, but it looks as if there might be another tenant coming in, although at this stage I cannot name names.

"The owner is keen to keep it open, as am I. I would hate to be the man who closed The Bottle and wish the incoming tenants success in finding the finances."

But Mr Pym said, if the pub were to close, he would definitely seek another venue for the competition, He added: "It would be a shame to let it go as it is of national importance to the area."

He is leaving for a combination of reasons.

He said: "We have had a bad summer trade-wise and it doesn't make sense for me to refinance, as the bank has asked me to take a second charge out on my own house.

"I will be sorry to leave, but I also feel after 11 years it is time to move on and take up a new challenge."

He added: "Hopefully next week we should be able to confirm the handover of the tenancy if all goes to plan.

"I think the incoming tenants plan to run the pub in a very similar vein to the way it has been run in the past, still offering home-cooked local produce where possible and keeping the entertainment ethos which has been The Bottle's trademark."

n Everyone is welcome at Mr Pym's leaving party, including a disco, which takes palce this Saturday at the pub from 9.30pm until late.