A beloved pub landlord who brought a popular watering hole "back to life" has decided to step down after 16 months in charge.

Zac Toms-Pearce has left his role at The Three Tuns on Elson Road after transforming the pub over the course of the last year, getting a defibrillator installed, welcoming in three new pub sports teams and renovating the children's play area.

The former landlord stepped down on Tuesday, issuing a heartfelt message on Facebook to say that he has had "several personal events happen over the course" of the last two months that have made him "look at life in a different light".

He said: "I'm getting older, as are all the nearest and dearest to me are at the same time, time is always ticking, so it’s time for me, my heart and soul, to slow those ticking seconds down as much as I can so I can spend it with my family."

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Zac said that he loves all of his patrons, but that family has to "and will always have to come first".

In a follow-up post, the former landlord explained that it was "solely" his choice not to sign onto the pub for another five years.

The community has since shown an outpouring of love, with dozens of patrons telling Zac on social media that he will be missed.

One person said: "Gutted mate, but good luck with whatever you do next, you smashed it in the short time you've been there."

Another commented: "The Three Tuns has never been looking and ran so well, for probably 15-20 years when Barry the ice cream man had it.

"From what I have observed, you should be extremely proud of what you and your team have achieved.

"You brought that pub right back to life in a very short space of time."

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A third said: "You (and your team) have been like a breath of fresh air for the Tuns and have built it right back up again.

"It’s been wonderful to have it back to its old, well respected self again within the community."

Zac confirmed that many of the popular events he has introduced will be continuing after his departure, including the meat raffle, "rock n roll bingo" and an open mic night.