Pub owner Michael Thurlby has sold Smith's of Bourne, The Jubilee Garage in Bourne, The Lord Nelson in Oakham and The Prince Rupert in Newark to RedCat Pub Company

A pub owner has sold four of his town centre businesses including two in Bourne and one in Oakham.

It was announced this week that Michael Thurlby has sold Smith's of Bourne, The Jubilee Garage in Bourne and The Lord Nelson in Oakham.

The Prince Rupert in Newark was also part of the sale to RedCat Pub Company.

A statement on each of the pub websites says: "Knead Pub Group is no longer the owner of the following venues: Smith's of Bourne, Lincolnshire, The Jubilee Garage, Bourne, Lincolnshire, The Lord Nelson, Oakham, Rutland and The Prince Rupert, Newark, Nottinghamshire.

"The four pubs have been acquired by the newly launched RedCat pub company fronted by Rooney Anand, ex CEO of Greene King."

Mr Thurlby also owns three Stamford pubs - The Crown Hotel, Paten and Co and The Tobie Norris. These venues are not part of the sale.

Customers have been advised that all current bookings will be honoured.

The online statement continues: "If you do need to contact sites individually, please email or call.

"We are expecting a very smooth transition and to help it be as smooth as possible, for the next four weeks the above venues will be accepting all Knead gift cards. However, as our Knead loyalty points scheme is unique to our business, these can only be redeemed through our Stamford sites: The Crown Hotel, Paten and Co and The Tobie Norris."

The Mercury has contacted Mr Thurlby and RedCat Pub Company for comment.