It's "Onwards and upwards" for established innkeeper Joe Hayes.

Joe left The Cricketers Inn in Bridge Street, Winchester, on Friday after 22 years and is moving to a less hectic life in Scotland.

Regulars will miss his traditional style of running a pub, which includes allowing smoking throughout the bar and a bed and breakfast service.

In a statement Joe said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends in Winchester for all their help, support and friendship they have shown over the past 22 years at The Cricketers.

"They are far too many to mention here but they know which ones I am referring to. Leaving any business and home can be a traumatic affair, but in this case less so because of the help and understanding of those close to us.

"Onwards and Upwards to Scotland where I spent many happy years prior to coming to Winchester.

"Finally, I hope that Winchester will continue to support the few running real pub landlords, as I believe that those dedicated people in the city of Winchester will loose a very important contribution to its social side."

Joe and his partner Pauline Mern have bought a small guesthouse in Ayr and Joe intends to pursue his interests in music, curling, golf and rowing.