A couple who are leading lights on the local live music scene have taken charge at one of the area's most historic pubs.
Jay and Lucy Blackburn are the new people in charge at the Golden Ball at Snatchems, by the side of the River Lune.
Jay is well-known in the Morecambe and Heysham area as a musician, performing with The Good Souls duo, and organising the annual School Aid festival to raise money for local schools.
Lucy runs her own entertainment company Chimes Entertainment, putting on live music events and karaoke nights at venues all over the Morecambe area, including the Country Fest country music festival taking place at the Golden Ball in June.
The married couple from Morecambe said they were "very excited" at starting the new venture and are planning a grand opening on Saturday March 1 from 4pm.
LISTEN to our interview with Jay and Lucy Blackburn
The Blackburns took over from Matt Thistlethwaite, who announced his departure from the Golden Ball last month.
"It's been a dream for a while, for both of us, to run our own venue, with our entertainment background," said Jay.
"We're sad for Matt that things didn't work out for him, he's a lovely guy and a great friend.
"But we've been fortunate to be offered the opportunity to run it, and we've taken it.
"We're very excited to get things going and literally, live the dream!"
Below, Jay Blackburn performing in The Good Souls.
The pub is currently closed as the Blackburns work hard on a revamp and prepare for its reopening, supported by their family.
In the meantime, they have been inundated with people popping in to ask when the Golden Ball will be open again - including a group of canoeists passing by on the River Lune!
Lucy said: "We love the place. If I could design a place to live, it would be this.
"It's just amazing. It's been very tiring. We've had no sleep. But it's exciting. People want to come here."
The Blackburns have also been part of the Morecambe Music Festival organising team in recent years. Lucy is pictured below with Maree Wright.
The Golden Ball has a storied history dating back to the 1600s.
It was frequently visited by press gangs who would conscript young men into the merchant navy, hence the Snatchems name.
The pub was also said to be a popular haunt for smugglers.
The Golden Ball will continue to offer food, accommodation including glamping pods, and a function room.
Singer Steve Pilgrim will perform at the reopening night on March 1. All welcome.
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