A 78-YEAR-OLD ‘grandlord’ pulled her first pint for 26 years during a return visit to her former pub.

Shirley Mayo was pub manager at The Crown, in Blandford, for 14 years, before retiring in 2000.

But on Monday (June 15), she was back behind the bar at The Digby Tap in Sherborne to fulfil a long-held wish to pour a pint again.

Shirley, who has a daughter Tonya and two grandchildren, now lives at The Hayes, a Care Dorset residential care home in Sherborne.

So when she told staff she missed being behind the bar at The Digby Tap, they started organising her return trip.

“I’m excited to get back behind the bar. I spent some of my best years pulling pints,” said Shirley.

“I met lots of interesting people in the pub – that was my favourite part of the job. They say you never forget how to pull a pint-we will soon find out if that’s the case.”

Shirley with bartenders Oscar Ashford and Chelsea Roper at The Digby Tap in Sherborne

Born in 1948, Shirley grew up in Blandford, where her father was a gardener and her mother a waitress.

Current Digby Tap landlord, Oliver Wilson, said the venue was delighted to welcome Shirley back.

“When Care Dorset got in touch to ask if Shirley could pull a pint, we were only too happy to oblige,” he said.

“There’s something very satisfying about pulling a good pint, so I’m not surprised to hear she’s missed it.”

The Hayes’ activities officer, Vicky Feltham, added: “Shirley is full of character and always has a smile and a story to share.

“As soon as she told me she missed being behind the bar and would love the chance to pull a pint again, we knew we had to make it happen.

“Seeing her return to something she loved is going to be a special moment for everyone involved.”

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Shirley showing you never forget how to pull a pint