A TOWN centre pub is set for a re-birth.

The Bull, in Crouch Street, Colchester closed in July after landlord Dave Richards hung up his bar towel after nine years at the helm.

But just three days later, Kelly Hilborne and Colin Smith walked in with a plan.

The couple now want to promote it as a seven-days-a-week live music venue - a theme which will be launched when the Phil Hilborne Band pitches up for the grand opening next week.

Legendary guitarist Phil was a mainstay in the stage show We Will Rock You for 14 years and has also played alongside heavy rockers Iron Maiden for many years.

And Phil just happens to be Kelly's dad.

37-year-old Kelly, who hails from Pitsea, said: "The main thing we want to say to customers is: 'We love live music, that's what this place is going to be about'."

Partner Colin added: "We have a passion for music and we want to share that but there are only so many times you can hear [The Killers'] Mr Brightside.

"We want to give people a real selection of music throughout the week."

The 49-year-old added: "Cover bands are great and people love to come and listen to songs they know but there are no cover bands without original bands, so we want a real mix."

To that end the pair plan to open up the Soundhouse, at the back of the bar, as a practice venue for young bands for free. It will also be used as a 120-person live venue at the weekend for bands to play their own songs.

Irishman Colin, who has run pubs for 30 years, said: "Wouldn't it be great if people are here listening to a covers band at the main bar and then they nip out the back and stay in the Soundhouse for a while and come back saying: 'God, that band out there aren't bad at all and they're playing all their own stuff.'

"That's what we want. We want this place to be accessible and for people to feel at home.

"I've always thought my pubs should fit the Cheers! theme; everyone should know everyone's name and you should be glad you came."

The "eclectic" music fans have also proved their point by booking the The Band of The Parachute Regiment for the Soundhouse in November, which will be the band's first performance in a Colchester pub.

Kelly, who also works in banking, added: "They're very excited about it and so are we. What's not to like?

"This is what we mean when we say we want a mix."

The venue, which has already re-opened, is also hosting blues, jazz and soul nights.

The Bull's official launch, with the Phil Hilborne Band, will be held next Saturday, October 22.