A POPULAR pub which has been closed since Christmas has finally re-opened thanks to an £80,000 investment.

The Fighting Cocks, Red Lees Road, Mereclough, has been revamped complete with a bar, function room and restaurant.

The pub was closed after former landlord Philip Swarsbrick, 34, assaulted his partner Emma Kelly, before starting a "revenge" fire on the premises.

He was found guilty of arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered and battery after a four-day trial, but cleared by the jury of a more serious charge of arson intending to endanger life. He had denied all the allegations.

But after a month of refurbishment work, the Fighting Cocks is hoping to put the controversy behind it and bring a international flavour to Burnley.

It has undergone a major transformation including a new interior and exterior work to the building. The new look was unveiled last night when licensees Martin Yates and Justine Donley, both from Blackburn, invited the local community to the launch event.

Martin, said: "I think people will be surprised at what we have to offer, after being a chef myself for 15 years I know what people want and feel that customers will like what we have to offer."

After living in Africa for 16 years, Martin has used his cultural knowledge to create a diversity of dishes from around the world.

Assistant manager, Richard Del-Strother, added: "We really do have something that will suit everybody, in the romantic surroundings of a candlelit atmosphere. We have three chefs from the Ribble Valley who are well known for their culinary expertise."

The Fighting Cocks is open for food from 5.30-9pm Monday-Thursday and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

To mark the opening, there will be a set four-course menu available for £8.95, which includes a complimentary glass of champagne and canapes tonight and tomorrow night.