A pub scored permission for young fans to wait for buses to Rangers matches inside out of the cold.

The Cross Keys Bar in Stevenston also got the go-ahead to start selling drink from 10am on a Sunday morning instead of 12.30pm.

Owner Craig Mochan said the bar was used by the football supporter’s association for more than 50 years.

He said young kids have to stand out in all sorts of weather before they board transport  to games.

Addressing last week’s North Ayrshire Council licensing board, he asked for a designated area in the premises where they could wait.

Board chair Councillor Ronnie McNicol said: “I know a few buses leave to go to football matches. It is better sitting inside than standing outside in the street.”

“We are happy to grant the variation requested.”

A wall between the Cross Keys lounge and bar was recently knocked down – sparking the need for a variation of premises licence. Kids used to be allowed in the lounge but after the refurbishment that was no longer permitted. The boozer had to lodge an application with the council to allow children back in, which was approved by councillors.

A North Ayrshire Council licensing board report said: “The proposal is to allow children and young people aged five to 17 years to wait in the lounge area, far from the bar, for up to an hour in the period 11am to 6pm before buses leave the premises to attend football matches.”