GRAHAM Ireland takes pride in running the Pipers Arms pub - but he has been told to leave by its owners.

Enterprise Inns, which owns the pub in Devizes Road, Old Town, has sold the lease and asked Mr Ireland to vacate the premises by Tuesday.

Landlord Mr Ireland, 31, said: "I've been here for 15 months and put a lot of work in, so this feels like a slap in the face."

Mr Ireland said he wasn't even aware his livelihood was at stake until he saw the 10-year lease up for sale for £33,000 in the Evening Advertiser jobs section in May.

He said: "I was knocked for six. The pub is doing really well, so I couldn't believe it."

Determined to keep the pub, Mr Ireland put in a bid for the lease.

"I managed to match the rival bid, so I thought the Pipers would stay with me," Mr Ireland said.

But last Monday he was told his offer had been turned down and he was given his notice.

Refusing to leave on a low, Mr Ireland has organised a farewell party for tomorrow night.

He said: "I want to say thank you to all my customers because we have had such good times together.

"I just hope I can find another pub to run."

The regulars at the Pipers, which has become a popular venue for live music bands, will be sad to see Mr Ireland go.

Tiffiny Townsend, 19, from Stratton St Margaret, drinks and sings there with her band, Almost Innocent.

She said: "It's such a shame.

"The pub won't be the same without Graham and I can't understand why it's being taken away from him."

Despite living in Abbey Meads, Marie Jensen, 46, uses the pub as her local with her husband, Alan, 49.

She said: "We discovered it nine months ago and just love it.

"The live music is fantastic and there is a really friendly atmosphere.

"We won't be back when Graham leaves because he's the man who made it so great."

Brett Whitaker, 27, from Old Town, was shocked at the news of his departure.

He said: "I only started going there in February and already it feels like a second home.

"I can't believe Graham's going. We'll really miss him."

It is unknown who has bought the lease from Enterprise Inns, which owns 5,500 pubs across the country.

Lisa Harlow, spokeswoman for Enterprise Inns, said: "Mr Ireland was the licensee under a temporary agreement. We actively encouraged him to take over the lease but he missed the deadline.

"When we received his offer, we were unfortunately already committed to another buyer."