A man who has helped dish out meals to RAF servicemen and women is to bring his culinary skills to Abbots Langley, as he and his family take over a popular pub in the village.

David Fayer, along with his wife Kim, is set to become a familiar sight pulling pints in The Swan pub.

They have taken over from James and Lydia Davies, who relocated to Southampton, having run the local in College Road for about two years.

Mr Fayer, originally of Batchworth Lane, South Oxhey, said: “Our family has close ties to Abbots Langley, so it’s great to be able to take over The Swan.

“We’re really hoping to immerse ourselves into the community, and continue to make this a very popular, family-orientated pub.

“Having worked in civilian officers’ mess halls, running a pub for the first time will be a challenge, but I don’t imagine it will be too dissimilar.

“It’s a bit of a career change, but one we’re both looking forward to face head on.

“We’ve moved in upstairs along with our daughters Cheryl, Kirstie, Angela, Zoe-Jay and Kristal, and are still busy unpacking, which is pretty hectic.

“But the locals have made us feel really welcome. We’re happy to be taking over such a great place and our aim is to get as involved in community life as possible.”