He's barely old enough to have a pint, but Lewis Marriott has qualified as a pub landlord.

The 18-year-old, of College Avenue, Gillingham, is legally able to run a pub after having his application for a personal licence accepted by Medway Council.

He is hoping to start an apprenticeship pulling pints at The Cannon in Garden Street, Brompton, which is run by his grandmother Pauline, who has been there for almost 30 years.

On the morning of January 3, his 18th birthday, Lewis walked down to Medway Council’s offices at Gun Wharf to submit his application. Less than three weeks later he received his licence in the post.

He had completed a licensing course, which ended with an exam. This included questions on checking identification and who can be served in a pub.

Lewis is studying at MidKent College and hopes to carry on the family tradition by taking up the reins at the pub.

He said: "I’ve grown up with the pub, it’s done a lot for me over the years. Me and my brother used to come in on a Saturday morning and bottle up. We got familiar behind the bar. I’ve always been involved with the pub.”

At the moment he works behind the bar every Saturday from 6pm to 8pm, building up experience before the evening rush.

Lewis has had a few remarks from regulars about his age, but said it was all good-natured banter.

He said: “It’s good fun. I like to talk to people so I have a chat with them while working. It’s the perfect job – you can talk to people while earning money.”

Eventually he wants to run the pub by himself, allowing Pauline to have a well-earned rest. He said: “She can feel comfortable knowing nothing goes wrong.”