Staff in a pub in the town centre of Oldham revealed they went 'out with a bang' for their final shift over the Easter weekend as the pub prepares for a lengthy closure.

The Bees Knees pub on Fairbottom Street sits opposite the now-boarded-up Oldham Coliseum and mere feet away from Harry's Bar which quietly closed its doors for good in December last year.

Now, the pub is the latest to join the long list of closed premises in the borough - though fortunately, bosses at AJP Pubs say it will be back as they have plans to reopen in time for summer.

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However, The Oldham Times understands the existing team would not be returning to the premises when it does.

The Bees Knees revealed last month that it would be closing for a much-needed makeover.

After more than a decade of "fantastic years" in Oldham town centre, the pub said: "It's time we pimped up Oldham Bees Knees to our new style, which is being rolled out across the North of England.

"We will continue to believe in Oldham and invest."

On Sunday, March 31, its long-standing team closed its doors after having "one last hurrah" with a planned "farewell bash".

The team revealed on social media that the pub will reopen in time for the Euros later in June this year, but said: "Bees won't be the same."

The pub posted several photographs of the team members and revellers that have enjoyed the pub over the years with many enjoying drinks, including a 'goldfish bowl' cocktail, and dancing under bright lights.

Another image shows several of the team members in custom-made uniforms and outfits.

The post continued: "We were the bee's knees.

"After a hard slog, we've got to our final shift.

"Try not to make us cry as for some of us, it's been years of our life.

"But let's go out with a bang and have the biggest party in town."

AJP Pubs and the pub manager have been contacted for comment.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.