Drinkers with a passion for motorcycles and rock music have a new watering hole in Idle thanks to an entrepreneurial couple who decided to change careers and spend more time together.

For two decades Steve and Linda Platt say they acted like "ships passing in the night", rarely seeing each other for weeks on end because of their work.

Mr Platt, a water-cooling engineer and consultant, spent prolonged periods away from home working in such far flung locations as China and Israel.

Mrs Platt worked shifts in a care home. It meant that even when Mr Platt was home the amount of time they spent together didn't amount to much.

In the New Year they decided enough was enough and it was time for a wholesale change in jobs and lifestyle.

The couple pooled their savings and took over the tenancy of The Brewery Tap pub in Albion Road. Mr Platt and his son Steve became the joint landlords with Mrs Platt, along with daughter Linda and soon to be son-in-law Dan, working behind the bar.

And there has been an added bonus to the new enterprise. The family has also found the time and the opportunity to indulge their passion for motorbikes by transforming the hostelry into a haven for bike enthusiasts.

The Platt family has decked out the pub with motorcyling memorabilia from all over the world including a limited edition life-sized Harley Davidson motorcycle made completely from wicker.

"Only 12 were made," said Mr Platt. "And we've had offers to buy it already. It will be one of the many artefacts on show over the coming months and years."

The Tap has built up a long-term reputation as a solid rock music venue and is now home to the area's newest motorbike club launched last month in conjunction with the Full Throttle Bike Shop in Rawdon. So far more than two dozen members have signed up.

In true generous biker tradition the club hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

"We hope that in time we'll become a reference point for bike enthusiasts and novices alike to use our services and to learn about how and where to ride safely, about bike history and new products on the market," added Mr Platt

"Everyone is welcome from single riders, couples, those with and without bikes or scooters - literally anyone. We want people to simply share in a common passion and enjoy some good times."

The pub is already attracting some high-profile members including rising motor racing star Conrad Harrison, currently third in the Sidecar Intermediate British Championship.