Ex-Fartown player's new life at pub

A FORMER Fartown rugby favourite has been converted to a new trade.

Billy Pickup and his wife Sharon are the new licensees at the Shepherd's Arms in Cowcliffe.

Mr Pickup played for Huddersfield in the 1970s before joining Warrington.

The Shepherd's Arms, an Enterprise Inns pub, has re-opened following a £130,000 facelift, which included a new restaurant.

Mr Pickup said: "This is a totally new venture for us.

"We lived next door to the pub for many years when I used to play rugby for Huddersfield - so we have got to know the locals on both sides of the bar."

After retiring from the game, he emigrated to the USA and was works manager of an engineering firm in Indianapolis for some years before returning to the UK.

The Shepherd's Arms dates back to the early 1800s, and has been refurbished with new furniture, fixtures and fittings.

Disused outbuildings have been converted into a restaurant serving a range of dishes.