RESIDENTS have rallied around a village pub which has been caught selling booze to underage drinkers.

Cheshire East Council is to review the licence at The Fox Inn, Elworth, after underage customers sent in by police were served alcohol.

But neighbours of the London Road pub, which had stood empty for months before being taken over by two new landlords a year ago, say there has been a vast improvement under the new management.

They say a new chef has been brought in and the pub has built up a local clientele who appreciate the traditional food, real ale, live music events and quiz nights.

Nick Woods, aged 55, of Station View, said: "The pub used to attract a lot of rowdiness but since the new landlords have taken it over it has attracted a much better clientele."

"It's mostly decent local people drinking there and it is spotlessly clean and well run. I would be upset if they had to leave or close. The underage sale must have been a one-off mistake."

Despite that, the council's Licensing Committee will review the pub's licence next Monday.

It comes after Cheshire Police sent two underage girls into the pub in December to buy alcohol.

Both were given drinks without being challenged.

The staff member who served them has since been fined £80.

Police are asking for the premises supervisor to be removed from his position.