The new landlady of the Black Bull pub in Haworth has promised to “bring the smile back” to the historic pub.

Pub troubleshooter Leanne Forbes aims to revive the historic Main Street hostelry, which was once the haunt of Branwell Bronte.

She was chosen by owners Enterprise Inns to run the famous watering hole with her partner of 17 years, Michael Dewsnap.

Enterprise launched a search for a new tenant to replace the existing one three months ago.

Haworth residents and ward politicians had feared for the pub’s future if nobody could be found to take it on.

Leanne said she and Michael are looking forward to the challenge of restoring the Black Bull’s fortunes.

She added: “I tend to take pubs on the brink and bring them back.

“We looked at the Black Bull and it looked so sad. But it’s lovely where it is at the top of Main Street – it’s like a place in a fairytale.

“We want to open up the history of the pub as much as possible. It’s supposed to be haunted!”

Leanne’s plans include putting on live bands, developing the restaurant and reopening the three upstairs bedrooms for visitors.

Leanne plans to continue catering for the many Haworth residents who viewed the Black Bull as their local.

She said: “We’re still getting to know everyone. They’re lovely – older people, a lot of couples and young people at the weekend.”

Leanne began her pub career in her 20s as a barmaid at the Morning Star in her native Shaw, near Oldham.

The pub’s owner recognised her potential and made her manager of three of his pubs.

Leanne went on to run two pubs in 40-year-old Michael’s hometown of Royton, near Oldham, and one in Millroyd, near Rochdale, all for pub company JW Lees.

Most recently, Leanne ran a pub in Cheshire.