A RIBBLE Valley pub that was damaged in the Boxing Day floods has reopened its doors for the first time.

Licensees Phil and Tina Fairey have relaunched The Ribchester Arms pub-restaurant with a new look following the devastation caused by the rising water in December.

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When the Ribble Valley was hit with record levels of rain during Christmas, the village of Ribchester was hit with the worst floods it had ever seen.

Despite the efforts of many villagers, who tried to sandbag entrances and save belongings, the rising water was too much to overcome and as a result many, including The Ribchester Arms, found their homes and businesses under a foot of water.

Mr Fairey said: “The flood destroyed the pub, causing irreparable damage to all our equipment and furniture.

“The water swept away the heavy seating in our beer garden and all of our stock had to be destroyed because of cross contamination. It was devastating.”

As soon as the flooding, the waters started to recede the villagers and staff arrived with brushes and mops to help clean up the pub. The extent of the damage was so significant that plans to reopen were shelved indefinitely.

Mrs Fairey said: “We didn’t just lose our business, the village lost their pub. Christmas is such an important time for many and The Ribchester is one of the main places to celebrate.

“We had to cancel hundreds of bookings, including a golden wedding party for local couple who tied the knot at The Ribchester Arms 50 years ago. It was heartbreaking.”

With the extent of the damage severe, Robinsons Brewery stepped in to make the best of a bad situation with a complete refurbishment of the pub with a new colour scheme and new timber flooring.

The bar has been replaced and three new hand pulls installed.

Wayne Roach, business development manager for Robinsons Brewery, said: “The Ribchester Arms is one of the most popular pubs in the area and it’s great to see the pub once again serving the community.

“It has been a real team effort to get the pub up and running again and Phil, Tina, the staff and the whole community should feel very proud. We want to thank everyone in Ribble Valley for their kindness and understanding during the last few months and we hope that everyone will come down and enjoy a pint at the new Ribchester Arms.”