THE UK's largest pub group Punch Taverns last night announced it had bought five pubs in the North-East for an undisclosed sum.

Punch saw off competition to acquire the sites from Sir John Fitzgerald Limited.

It has purchased the Hilltop, in Stanley, County Durham; Old England, in Great Lumley, Chester-le-Street; the Potters Wheel, in Sunniside, Sunderland; the Spartan in Blyth, Northumberland; and Steps, in Washington, Wearside.

Each pub will convert to Punch's leasehold system, with managers entering into long-term lease agreements with the company.

James Boshier, Punch acquisitions manager for the North-East, said: "It is extremely rare for a small group of pubs of such quality to come on to the market and we are delighted to be the successful bidder."

Rob Godwin-Bratt, company development director, said: "This deal sends out a clear message that, despite completing a major pub chain purchase three months ago - the Spirit Group and its 1,800 pubs - we are still committed to individual and small package acquisitions.

"Not counting Spirit, we have acquired 57 pubs so far this financial year and expect to exceed 100 new sites by August."