A pub landlord is set to hand over the reins as he announces his departure.

Neil Smith, 45, has run the Swan pub on Newland Street, Witham, for fiveand- a-half years but says his running costs are too high to maintain and a recent theft was the last straw for him.

Mr Smith believes his costs are now the highest of any other pub in the area, with a pint costing £3.10.

His rent is £29,500 a year, which means he has to work part-time in a factory as well.

He will be continuing with this job and hopes to move in to a flat with his girlfriend after he leaves the premises upstairs.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for more.