The only pub at Kelly Bray is The Swingle Tree, formerly called the Railway Inn.

This was a coaching house, and Kelly Bray railway station was handily just across the road.

Situated between the roads to Stoke Climsland and Launceston it is now very much a local pub, run by locals for locals.

Cliff and Delia Wickett have lived at The Swingle Tree for 11 years and before that Cliff worked for the Prince of Wales and Duchy College. He explained that the opportunity to get into the pub industry arose when The Swingle Tree became available. As they are from the area and know the people it was ideal.

When the pub was called the Railway Inn, people would use it as a waiting room for the station.

When Dr Beeching shut many of the railways throughout Britain in the 1960s, the line shut and the pub consequently changed its name.

The building also had an extension added on in the early 1900s.

Cliff and Delia have never been without a dog during their life and they now own Bess, an 18-month-old collie.

Cliff explained that he used to be a shepherd and when his last dog died the local young farmers club found him Bess, who is now regularly found in the bar area playing fetch with customers.

In their own opinion Cliff and Delia say that their staff are their biggest asset, as they trust them and appreciate the work that they do behind the bar and in the kitchen.

The food is either homemade or fast food, as the Wicketts try to cater for everyone's taste and preference.

Amazing

Karen Hall was behind the bar on the day the Cornish Times descended. She has worked there since August and said of Cliff and Delia: 'They're a good laugh.'

Lisa Wearing, another member of staff, frequents The Swingle Tree even when she is not working. She said: 'We get all sorts of different people in here, four or five different groups. Everyone knows everyone here and even if you don't, you can always have a laugh with each other.'

The pub hosts various teams, including darts, pool and euchre, as well as live local bands occasionally.

At Christmas The Swingle Tree threw a party and many of the students from Duchy College at Stoke Climsland attended.

Cliff said: 'The students are very appreciative and never cause any trouble for us, we like having them here, and we regularly get postcards from many of them from all around the world.'

William Harry Tween lives at Downgate and has been coming to The Swingle Tree every morning for 14 years. Four years ago William's wife died and he said: 'Cliff and Delia have been so kind to me, it is an amazing pub, and they are amazingly kind. They really put themselves out for you, I can't say anything but praise them.'

Agreeing with him was drinking companion Jeff, who said: 'There is a good atmosphere in here, everyone gets on really well. I get on especially well with the bar staff and kitchen maids!'

Another regular is Steve, who said: 'It is a fabulous pub, it's not just staff and customers, we are all friends in here.'

Coming up from Callington for the occasional game of pool are Ben Brown, Tom Harrison, Dom North and Richard Lloyd. This is very definitely their local.

At the back of the pub there is an outside eating area and play area for children, where Bess also joins in with many games. Cliff explained that he had some fences erected around the car park to protect the children playing, and the waitresses when they bring out the food during the summer because the cars can turn in there very quickly and to help to secure the cars when they are left there overnight.

The Swingle Tree is Jill and John Roberts' local. John said: 'The Swingle Tree is all you want in a pub, good food, good beer and good company.'

Friendly

Tony Edmonds is another customer who enjoys the food. He mainly uses it for lunch as it is 'excellent food' - and he occasionally ventures up in the evenings.

Living just down the road are Phil and Teressa Davis, who come up to the pub fairly regularly and play euchre. They agreed and said: 'There is a good crowd in here, very friendly and helpful with good staff.'

The pub is very definitely a local and is very friendly to everyone who comes in, whether they are known or not. With good food, beer, company and facilities for all the family, The Swingle Tree is a lovely place to go for a drink and meal as you will always be welcome.