Ant and Dec enjoy bar stake

Television personalities Ant & Dec have taken a stake in oneof Newcastle's best-known city centre leisure venues. The Tyneside-born duo have joined forces with north east-based Ultimate Leisure to become partners at the Lodge, the former Jonny Ringos bar which has re-opened following a £200,000 refurbishment. The TV pair were guest celebrities at the opening of the Lodge, which was packed to the rafters for the big event. Ant said: "We've come here drinking every time we returned to Newcastle and have always loved the place. "There have been a few times when we have staggered out of the door after a heavy session but we never thought we'd end up having a share in the place." Ultimate said it is delighted the two celebrities have come on board to give the new venue a high profile. Finance director Craig Bell declined to reveal financial details of the deal and dismissed reports that the pair had invested £175,000 in the bar. "There have been lots of wild figures banded about but we are thrilled Ant and Dec have become involved in the Lodge," he added. Apart from Ant & Dec's involvement in the Lodge, it is expected the pair will makeperiodic appearances at otherbars and venues operated by Ultimate. The company has announced an increase in half-yearly pre-tax profits to £3.29m from £2.6m in its interim results statement. Turnover was also up from £10.4m to £12.8m in the six months to the end of December.