A HUSBAND and wife have reopened a pub which was closed for six-and-a-half weeks while undergoing a £250,000 refurbishment.

Pub landlord Jim Turner, 53, and his wife Ellen, 53, said they are excited to be reopening the revamped Britannia Inn, based in Oswaldtwistle.

The restaurant and bar, which has been located at the junction of Lottice Lane and Haslingden Old Road for well over 100 years, has been refurbished in the style of a farmhouse kitchen.

Some of the main changes include the installation of a pergola which can seat 40 people along with new decor, lighting and furniture.

Work began on the site on August 13 and the pub, which is operated by Thwaites Brewery, reopened to the public Saturday from noon. Thwaites shire horses, along with 50 punters, were among the special guests.

Mr Turner, who has been running pubs with his wife for the last 10 years across Lancashire, including Great Harwood and Longridge, said: "The Britannia was a tired old traditional pub when we took it over back in March.

"Like any pub though people get used to what is around them but it needed a change.

"Since it reopened on Saturday customers have said they are impressed with what they have seen.

"People who have been to visit say it's looking lovely again and it's back to how it should be with everything looking nice."

The new rustic look of the Britannia Inn is set to complement the farmhouse kitchen menu, which will include seven different types of burgers, a bigger range of fish and meat choices as well as new beer and gin mixes.

New hardwood decking has also been installed towards the back of the pub, which is featured on several tables and chairs.

A pergola has also been built to enhance the outdoor space by providing a shaded walkway and a sitting area which can seat up to 40 people.

Mr and Mrs Turner,have signed a lease to occupy the pub for the next five years and the 53-year-old landlord added: "The pub is just five minutes away from Blackburn, Darwen, Hoddlesden and the centre of Oswaldtwistle. It's not in the town centre and it's a nice country and family pub where people can come with their children."

Oswaldtwistle councillor Lisa Allen, who has visited the pub before, said: "It has been a very popular pub in the past and and I hope it's a big success for the landlord and landlady."