A pub landlord, who barred a gay drinker for allegedly trying to kiss him, has lifted his ban, reports Tim Hughes.

Richard Musprat, landlord of the Plough Inn in Dorchester, near Wallingford, banned homosexual Brett Young, 27, from the popular hostelry, after accusing him of attempting to kiss him in public.

Mr Musprat, 54, claimed Mr Young, of Abingdon Road, Dorchester, had "outraged" him by being over familiar at a Millennium-eve function in the village hall.

But Mr Young denied the claims, accusing Mr Musprat of homophobia.

The row ruffled feathers in the quiet community, but both men have now agreed to bury the hatchet in the interest of village harmony. Mr Musprat said: "We have shaken hands and sorted the whole problem out. We decided that it was a silly thing that got out of hand, and have settled it amicably. We have agreed to differ.

"I banned him because he offended me. He accepted his ban, which I have now lifted. He is now welcome to come in as long as he behaves himself. I believe in tolerance and understanding. The whole village has stood by me."

Mr Young, who moved to Dorchester from South Africa three years ago, said: "I am very relieved this has all been sorted out. This is a small community and I like living in the village - the last thing I wanted was a battle. He said he didn't bar me for being gay, and I will go back to his pub."