IF it’s true that 26 pubs are closing in Britain every week it makes one Hampshire watering hole’s record even more extraordinary.

Mike and Lynne Sinker celebrated 40 years in charge at The Baker’s Arms in Winchester with a party.

Mr Sinker, 70, said he had enjoyed every minute of his time there.

He said: “There has never been a day when I didn’t want to get up and do the business.

“I have loved being a part of Winchester, especially these days now we have the High Street market right on our doorstep and there’s more of a city feel to the place.”

Mr Sinker said one stand-out memory happened 20 years ago when he went on holiday to Spain.

He said: “I had just got into bed when I got a call from future Winchester mayor Chris Pines who told me the place was on fire!”

Cllr Pines, who has been a regular customer throughout the Sinker’s tenure, added: “It’s a local pub which represents the community and it’s really nice to have a landlord and landlady who get involved in the community.”