SUPERB: So the Duke William pub in Burslem is due to re-open on April 2 (The Sentinel, March 17).

This is superb news for the Mother Town.

Here is an attractive building situated on a town gateway and one that has a fine history.

The pub features in the works of Arnold Bennett and, as I remember personally, was a regular haunt of local painter Arthur Berry in the early 1980s.

Having had the privilege of a quick sneak preview, I am delighted to see that the landlord, Mark Aston, has kept many of the old features such as the bell-pushes and the wooden panelling.

The re-emergence of this pub is effectively a significant boost for Burslem.

MERVYN EDWARDS

Potteries Pub Preservation Group Newcastle