THE management of the Victoria pub is appealing for sports teams to make the historic venue their home.

Keith Prescott and Mick Oliver, of J&K Holdings, which runs the Victoria on Ann Street West, claim to have spent £20,000 on restoring the pub to its former glory.

Now all they need to round off their investment is some enthusiastic players who could form a pool, darts, dominoes, rugby or football team to challenge the best in Widnes.

Mr Prescott, who also owns a security firm and the food license at the Derby Arms in Widnes, said he is eager to launch the teams as soon as possible.

He said: 'We have spent a lot of money in making this a trendy and fashionable bar. But we would like to support the community in encouraging people to come in and see what it is like.

'We want to run all kinds of teams through the pub and we think we can offer a lot.'

A series of themed nights is already under way at The Victoria. Up-and-coming Widnes band The Chimneys are already attracting a cult following.

Mr Prescott added: 'We do everything from R&B to indie and The Chimneys are doing us proud at the moment. We have a massive function room at the back and we would be interested in letting Widnes bands use that.'

Mr Prescott is also urging people to get in touch with him at the pub to fill vacancies.

He added: 'It doesn't matter about experience as we are willing to give people a chance. We want to put something back into the community.'

Mr Prescott can be contacted on 0151 423 0065.