THE landlords of a Largs pub have quashed rumours they are selling up - and insist they are committed to the town.

Nick and Sara Veitch recently moved from South Africa to Largs where they re-launched Sharps Bar in Nelson Street in April.

Rumours have swept the town that the pub might be going back up for sale - but the husband and wife team this week told the News they are false.

Nick and Sara have been involved in the hospitality trade all of their lives and snapped up Sharps to return to the UK after time living abroad.

The plumped for the Largs hostelry after an epic 2,700 mile tour of Scotland and England looking for their ideal pub.

The couple have already invested significantly in the pub and says they are looking forward to a bright future as opposed to calling last orders.

Sara said: "We are feeling like we are becoming part of the community so it was a surprise to hear rumours that we could be moving - it was certainly news to us.

"We initially budget of £5,000 to spend on improvements but we've ended up going way beyond that figure. We plan to be here for a long time to come.

"The first we knew of it was when one of our regulars approached us and asked if we were shutting up?

"We have put so much money into the pub, there is no way we are selling up. We love it here - this has been a great move for us and we want to build on that."

Nick added: "We have just revamped the beer garden - and we are hoping for an extended summer.

"We have had regular bands on and it has been good fun with lots of people coming in.

"Every weekend we are seeing new faces and the restored railway timetable is also helped to boost custom."

The pub has been blighted by the shortage of hospitality workers across the industry and is currently looking for a new chef.

Sara added: "Nick has done all the cooking and I help with the washing up. It has been a real team effort.

"We have managed to line up some new staff for the coming weeks and we are also looking at hiring a bar manager so it is full steam ahead."