A familiar face has stepped down from his role as chairman of Weymouth Pubwatch after 15 years at the helm.

Keith Treggiden, who is also general manager of three venues in the town, said it was "a difficult decision" but "the right one."

As well as stepping down from Pubwatch, Mr Treggiden is also ending his position as local chairman of the Best Bar None scheme which promotes responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises.

Mr Treggiden is general manager of Rendezvous, Slug and Lettuce and the Royal Oak on the harbourside, and he said that leaving the organisations will give him more time to spend with his loved ones.

He said: "Stepping down after 15 years was a hard decision to make but the right one.

"It's not a thankless task...it has been rewarding for me to help people through their difficulties but it has got to a point where it's soaking up 15 to 20 hours a week, time that I'd like to spend with my family.

"I run three pubs and I'm clocking in well over 70 hours a week. Something has to give. I'm sad to do it but I have to think about myself, and sometimes a bit of new blood can be good."

Pubwatch is a national scheme which towns are encouraged to join. It promotes best practice in bars and clubs and it also helps to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve the night time economy.

Over the years Mr Treggiden has launched a number of initiatives in Weymouth to try and make the town, especially during the late-night economy, a safer place. He was recognised for his work in 2015 when he received a National Pubwatch Commendation.

The bar manager has regularly worked with the police and local authorities to promote responsible retailing in the community.

In order to make the most of his family time outside of work, Mr Treggiden has also decided to step away from his position on the Weymouth BID board.

The future of Weymouth Pubwatch is set to be decided at a meeting in early April.