ANDOVER'S newest pub, The John Russell Fox, was given the blessing of Andover's longest serving journalist when it opened this week.

Former editor, Derek Tempero, who worked at the offices of the Andover Advertiser from 1939 until his retirement in 1987, has played a large part in providing the pub with the historic documents and pictures which hang on its walls. "Many of the pictures come from the Pictorial History of Andover but the company employed a special team of artists to colour them and I think they have done a very good job," said Derek.

"Overall I think the company has made a really marvellous job with the building and it will be a real asset to Andover." Ht he thought the Holmes family, owners for more than a century, would have been saddened to see the end of printing at 10 High Street.

Mr Tempero's reaction has been mirrored by townsfolk, says the manager of the JD Wetherspoon pub Karen Jude. "The reaction has been marvellous - it has been very nice to see so many people returning after their first visit," she said. The name for the new pub was the choice of Sue Sharp who thought The John Russell Fox was a fitting way to remember the printing heritage of the site as Mr Fox was the founder of the Andover Advertiser in 1858.