A PUB landlord who celebrated 23 years on the Blackbird Leys estate has said he has no intention of stopping pulling pints just yet.

Glen Williams, who manages the Blackbird celebrated the milestone at a special event on Friday November 18.

The 71-year-old father-of-two, who has lived on the estate for 54 years, said that he was not quite ready to leave behind his 'one big happy family' and said that he always enjoyed being a part of the community.

With a raft of pub closures across the city and beyond, he told the Oxford Mail how he had been the well-known community stalwart for the area through both the good and the bad times.

Mr Williams said: "The people are really good in Blackbird Leys.

"We love playing a strong part in the community and supporting locals."

"I'm fit and well and want to keep going."

Mr Williams added that the pub, on Blackbird Leys Road, at times had had a bad reputation, but that now it was a welcoming place for the community.

The Blackbird has just been completely overhauled to give it a new look and customers can now enjoy the new decor as well as a new outside seating area and live sport on TV.

Local DJs also fill the floors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday pumping out everything from classics to chart-toppers.

The Blackbird also hosts various competitions including darts and traditional 17th century game Aunt Sally.

The pub's Aunt Sally team took first place in the Jim Whitbread Cup during the summer.

An Oxford local for 65 years Mr Williams described the pubs staff and customers as “One big happy family” and is over the moon with the sparkling new look.

Mr Williams added that he was now looking to create to more jobs in the wake of the refurbishment.

He added: "We are hoping for a busy Christmas and I am looking forward to putting on some special festive activities for the community."

At the anniversary celebration earlier this month Mr Williams was joined by Oxford United players, alongside representatives of pub owners Hawthorn Leisure, to congratulate him on his achievements.

The Blackbird is owned by Hawthorn Leisure and operated by Glen Williams.