A SMALL independent brewery has opened its first tied pub - in Faversham, home town of Kent's famous brewers Shepherd Neame.

Flagship Brewery, based in Chatham's Historic Dockyard, has bought The Elephant, in The Mall. Founder and director Andrew Purcell says there will be few changes apart from a wider selection of real ales plus speciality bottled beers and imported draught lagers.

Licensee Sharon Yates will stay on. She said of the regulars: "They are delighted with the change because the choice will improve and the quality. "

Explaining why he bought The Elephant, Mr Purcell said: "It is a traditional local pub and I was afraid that it might have fallen prey to conversion as a house or worse still, another takeaway establishment. We had been looking for an ideal first pub and The Elephant certainly fitted the bill."