WITH hundreds of pubs closing across the country every month, a well known mine host is bucking the trend – he has just bought an inn.

Genial Irishman Dominic Conroy has taken over the Dawlish Inn, Teignmouth, again. He had turned it into one of the town's most popular pubs when it was called Dicey O'Reilly's.

It has now been renamed Dicey Reilly's, and he is confident he can repeat his former success.

Dominic, 44, and his wife Annmarie, have been the tenants at the Ring of Bells in Bishopsteignton for about two years, but always had an ambition to acquire their own premises.

'When the opportunity to buy my old pub from the brewery arose, we could not turn it down,' said Dominic.

'I know pubs are having a rough time in the economic downturn, but we are sure we can make a success of the business. It has a prominent position very close to the town centre and seafront, and we aim to also serve good food, and put on live music, especially local bands.'

The family moved back to Ireland for a time, but missed the Teignmouth area so much, they returned. Their 13-year-old twins, Kyle and Kelsey, are at Teignmouth community college.

The Dawlish Inn has been closed since November, but Dominic and Annmarie should be pulling pints again tomorrow.

Taking over at the Ring of Bells are Anthony Smith and Katherine Farnsworth, from the Midlands.

'We will miss Bishopsteignton because everybody was so friendly and supportive, but this was a chance we had to grab. We wish the new landlords every success,' added Dominic.