AS Newtown enjoyed a period of growth in the 1960s and 70s so had the population of the town increased.

Many settled in the estates built in the south of the town.

In Maesyrhandir a pub was built which would be a home from home for many.

The spacious Red Dragon closed its doors for the final time in 2009 after nearly four decades with the site of the pub now demolished for housing.

Though gone the pub is certainly not forgotten by its many former regulars.

County Times:

The Red Dragon in 2004.

The pub was a meeting place for the community and played a keen role in supporting local initiatives and sport.

The County Times goes back in time to share some of these stories.

County Times:

Pictured are Don and Noeleen Warburton, Helen Wood (member of staff) and Anna Jones (member of staff)

Don and Noeleen Warburton became the tenants of the Red Dragon pub in 2001.

The Warburton previously ran a catering business but decided to give that up to try their hands at running a pub.

Don said "When we arrived there was a policy of no children in the pub, we've changed that and now there is much more of a family atmosphere, things are going well."

County Times:

Pictured is Sasha with young band No Respect; Ash Cooper-White, Zac Sainz, Taylor Sandford and Ezra Nixon.

The pub hosted many charity events, including a fundraiser attended by Miss Wales hopeful Sasha Stacey in 2007 and many raffles, including one to raise money for the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Councillor Bob Sinclair, chairman of Tenants and Residents Association for Maesyrhandir played an active role in the fundraiser.

County Times:

Councillor Bob Sinclair and Noeleen Warburton, licensee of the Red Dragon with the cake that was raffled to raise funds for the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The pub was also a hub for local sport and home to a football team which competed in the Newtown Sunday League while also providing support for up and coming pool ace Drew Hughes who would go on to enjoy national success.

County Times:

The Red Dragon pub side at Latham Park.

County Times:

Drew Hughes and Don Warburton.

The pub was also the base of many adventures, none more so than regulars following the national sports teams.

Regulars of the Red Dragon and avid rugby union followers and made the journey to Rome to watch Wales play Italy during the early 2000s.

Among them had been Les Bridge who said: "We travel regularly to watch Wales in the Six Nations but this will be our first time going to Rome."

When asked for a prediction Les said: "Italy are getting better but I'll go for Wales 30-Italy 12."

County Times:

The Red Dragon regulars before their Italian adventure.

Did you used to drink at the Red Dragon? Do you have any memories to share? Get in touch with the County Times.