NEWENT town councillor, Colin Thomas has welcomed the granting of a liquor licence to a local deli, because he believes more people will be encouraged to enjoy evenings out in the market town.

The licence was recently granted to Glenn and Norma Hurrell, owners of the All Seasons Delicatessen and Cafe in Church Street in Newent.

As well as being able to sell alcohol during the day it enables the deli to also offer food and alcohol bistro style in the evenings.

Cllr Thomas said: "This is very important for Newent as, alongside the George Hotel, Cobblers, Italian Kitchen and Newent Tandoori, and others, this will clearly encourage more people to stay and to enjoy evenings out in Newent."

Mr Hurrell said: "This will add another string to our bow and we very much hope it will succeed. We really believe that it will help to bring more people back into Newent in the evenings."

Initially there will be a once a month bistro evening, on a Wednesday, "as an experiment".

The focus will be very much on local produce.

Mr Hurrell said: "The food that we will serve on these evenings will also be available in the shop but, just as importantly, it is virtually all locally sourced.

"Norma and I believe we should all do this as far as possible to help the local community”

The deli recently had the pleasant experience of being visited by the Antiques Road Trip team, including Malvern's Philip Serrell.