A MARYPORT couple have taken over the pub in which they first met, as they aim to bring more people down to the town's much-loved harbour.

Cameron Harrison, 52, has taken over the Sailors Return alongside partner Debbie Melville, 51, from Maryport.

After owning a salon in the town for 25 years, Debbie has decided to support Cameron in his dream of running a pub, with the couple taking over the King Street pub.

Debbie said: "Cameron being a chef , it’s always been a dream of his to open his own pub. He loved his previous job at The Ship at Allonby so was saddened to leave such a great team, but this opportunity arose and we couldn't say no really.

"It’s been hard work - working together into the early hours of the morning - plus we were both still working our usual jobs. We had the keys three weeks before we opened.

"There's still lots to do. We have plans to revamp the rooms and adding en-suites and things." 

It's been a journey back to the start for the couple who first found love in the pub. Debbie said: "It was the first place we had a drink in together, and a lot of my friends met their husbands in the Sailors so it makes it extra special."

The couple hope that they are able to bring more people to the harbour of the town, and make Maryport the town 'it once was'.

"The harbour is an amazingly beautiful place. If we can help bring more people down then we’ll be over the moon.

"There’s so much potential with all our cafes, Annabelle’s, Her Citi, The Lifeboat, the museum, the art gallery, the Golden Lion, the Marina café, our own aquarium, the Wave Centre, our lovely promenade... it is just a beautiful little town, filled with such friendly people.

"Let’s all make Maryport the town it once was!"

Cameron and Debbie have thanked the many businesses which have helped the couple with the pub since they took it over, as well as Debbie's daughter Yasmin, who has been a 'massive help to us' in the family business, and Debbie's son Kieran McGee.