ENTREPRENEURS Steve and Marion Jayne have bought the derelict Swan pub in Cinderford High Street - and want to transform it into a hotel and coffee bar hotspot.

The pair, who also run the Apple Tree in Minsterworth, believe it's a good time to invest in Cinderford, with so many regeneration schemes about to get underway.

"I firmly believe Cinderford is on the way up," said Marion.

"I've had the keys for 24 hours now and I've let my imagination run away with me.

"At the present time the hotel is uninviting, rundown, it's damp and it smells.

"But despite people telling me I have an impossible task on my hands, I firmly believe I can make something of it as I have a grand vision for the building.

"A lot of pubs are aimed at the youngsters or the sports crowd but I am looking at something completely different.

"I want The Swan to have something of its Victorian and Edwardian elegance, but make it relevant to today's cliental and be modern in its appearance."

For more on the Swan's sale, pick up The Forester.