HE IS the BBC's voice for people with disabilities. Now blind broadcaster Peter White is to reach a whole new audience when he takes over a well-known Winchester pub.

The BBC disability affairs correspondent, who lives in the city, is set to take on the lease of the Mash Tun early next month. He intends to run the Eastgate Street pub with his family and two partners who have revived another city pub.

Peter's two sons, daughter and son-in-law have all worked extensively in the pub trade. They are hoping to bring a more family feel to what has traditionally been an almost exclusively student place.

He said: "I've always fancied running a pub. Ever since I started playing pub piano during school holidays to make a bit of extra money, I've always felt at home in them. I'm not sure whether I'll be the country's only blind barman, but there can't be that many around."

The lease has been taken over in partnership with Jan and Jane Wisniewski who have revitalised the Albion public house in Winchester's Stockbridge Road.

Peter stressed that he will continue broadcasting but he intends to play a significant part in managing the pub.

"I see my role as being the pub's ears. I'll be spending my time propping up the bar in order to listen to customers likes and dislikes.

"I may well venture behind the bar to pull the odd pint, another of my ambitions."

The Mash Tun will close briefly for a quick spring clean, brush-up, and coat of paint and re-open on Friday, July 9.