IS this York's youngest landlord? He thinks so. Andy Gray, known as Sonic to regulars because of his likeness to the cartoon hedgehog, is running the Spread Eagle, Walmgate, York, despite being only 22 years old.

He is actually 22, five months and eight days at the time of going to press, and has been in charge of the popular boozer since October 1.

Despite his tender age, Andy feels he is more than experienced enough to run the pub.

"I know I am only young," he protested."But my staff, who are all older than me, know I have the know-how to do the job and know I have all the experience necessary to run this place."

He has cut his teeth in the pub trade since the age of 18 and feels he has built up all the necessary skills and training to do the job effectively . "They wouldn't let me do it, if they didn't think I could cope," he sensibly stated.

Andy has spent four years travelling the country working in pubs in Beverley, Northampton, Leeds, Wetherby and Burton-on-Trent.

Andy was assistant manager at the Walmgate watering hole for a while but now runs it in his own right.

"Working in pubs is a great job," he said, with a massive grin on his face.

"I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I quite fancy an area manager's job at some point, but for the moment I am more than happy to keep doing this."

He said he gets on really well with the regulars, and there are benefits for a pub in having a young landlord.

"A young landlord gives the pub a bit of personality," he said.

"There is nothing wrong with an older landlord, but a young one can give the pub a bit of a buzz."

He says there are plans to bring in live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to complement the well-established Sunday lunchtime revelry.

Plans for Christmas and New Year at the pub are as yet undecided, but Andy promises "something spectacular."

u TALKING of festive plans, the Australians at the Rose & Crown on Lawrence Street are going New Year's Eve crazy.

The antipodean licencees Paul and Georgia Clarey have decided to go for a beach party theme despite the chance of snow outside.

More than four tons of sand are being brought in, along with beach umbrellas, palm trees and other ridiculous props, so that the perfect beach scene can be created.

It is a ticket-only event and around 30 of the 100 tickets have been sold already.

The pub will be open from 11am to 4pm, and then will shut for two hours before the main event begins at 6pm.

The pub will remain open until Paul and co have had enough, but they are expecting a spectacular night and hope punters will arrive adorned in beach gear.