ROGER Payne, the former head chef at the Smoking Dog pub in Malmesbury, has taken over the Wellesley Arms in Sutton Benger.

The pub, which Mr Payne owns with his wife, Paula, has been open for only a month but already the food made from organic, locally grown produce has proved a hit.

Mrs Payne said: "It is a dream come true for us to own a pub. We are very excited.

"The response we have had so far has been fantastic. People say they have been flabbergasted with the food Roger is doing. It has got to the point where we are having to turn people away."

Mr Payne, 36, attended Sherston Primary School and Malmesbury School before learning his trade under the head chef at the Hare and Hounds at Westonbirt.

He then moved to the Rattlebone Inn in his native Sherston as head chef for thirteen years before moving to the Smoking Dog for three-and-a-half-years.

The food served at the Wellesley Arms is a mixture of classic French and British dishes.

Mrs Payne said: "It is a beautiful pub but we are hoping it is the food's reputation that will make the venture a success."

Mr and Mrs Payne, who will celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary in July, said there was little time to party.

Mrs Payne said: "It has been quite a commitment for us. We have been doing a business plan and speaking to the bank.

"For the last 12 months we have wanted our own pub. We wanted to keep it local because Roger has now built up a very good following for his food.

"We have put in an awful lot of work and long hours to get the pub going. We only have Monday lunchtime off."