REGULARS partied the night away at the weekend to say a sad farewell to their beloved Frog Hall pub.

With popular band, Stealer, providing the entertainment, the York pub, in Layerthorpe, was packed to bursting as locals gave it a noisy send-off.

Campaigners fighting to save the Frog finally admitted defeat last month when landlord Wayne Allan handed in his notice.

Owner Enterprise Inns is selling the pub to developers Dransfield Properties and it will be replaced later this year by a drive-through McDonalds and a video store.

Mr Allan, who is taking over the Melbourne pub, in Cemetery Road, said: "Everyone is really sad about it closing - I loved it here.

"We were left with no option but to go."

Regulars Tony "Oscar" Smith and Gary Walker turned up as a pantomime cow to raise a few smiles.

Mr Smith said: "It has been a great venue for music in York and a fantastic community pub.

"We will follow Wayne to the Melbourne."

Former Frog landlord Kevin Beardmore, who played for Great Britain at Rugby League, turned up at the pub with a coach-load of rock fans, from his new home in Castleford.

"It's the end of an era," he told the Evening Press.

Stealer proved a massive hit, rocking the night away with classics from the likes of AC/DC, The Who and Free.

Lead guitarist Nick West said: "It's just another nail in the coffin for live music in York."

Singer Mike Sawyer added: "It's nice to see so many people turning up - Wayne has done a brilliant job."

Campaign organiser Sue Lacy, who changed into black stockings and suspenders for the AC/DC track, Whole Lotta Rosie, said: "I've been coming here for 29 years and I'm gutted about what has happened."

Drinker Stuart Simpson, a builder from Tadcaster, said: "I'll miss the beer the most - it really hits the spot."

Updated: 09:18 Monday, January 14, 2002