THE landlords of the Burrator Inn celebrated their last day in the job on Sunday surrounded by loyal customers and friends.

Phil and Sara Cater purchased the Dousland pub on August 26, 2006 and made it their mission to create a location hub for the community.

At the time, Phil had a shipping partnership in Plymouth and Sara worked in hospital administration. The pair decided to change their career paths when the chance to buy the Burrator Inn came up.

Phil said: ‘For the first couple of years we gained the trust of the locals and showed them that we weren’t going to leave after five minutes — and now we are the hub of the community and we are leaving a legacy.’

Over the years the pub has variously been a venue for weddings, a polling station, a community hub for the locals and a popular stopping place for walkers and cyclists.

But the time has come for the pair to say goodbye.

‘We are getting older,’ said Phil. ‘There is more to life than working 16 hour days in a pub. It’s great socially but it’s hard work. We want to enjoy our remaining years where we can enjoy each other’s company and enjoy the time we have together.’

But they both said they will miss the many friends they have made over the years: ‘What we have heard from the locals since we announced we were leaving has been very touching. We have been in the area for 25 years and in this village for 13 and a half and we have made some true friends — more friends than we have in a lifetime.’

Phil and Sara have also managed to raise more than £70,000 for various charities through events at the inn.

The couple added: ‘We want to thank everyone for their continued support and friendship and our staff who have shown such unfailing loyalty and commitment.

‘We shall miss you all immensely and will certainly keep in touch.’