A ‘NEGLECTED’ and ‘run down’ pub has been given a £50,000 makeover.

The interior of the Rose and Crown in Edgworth has undergone a transformation after coming under new ownership in October.

The seating, floors, toilets, bar, cellar, car park and upholstery have all been replaced or spruced up, with more work planned in the new year.

After being closed for a few weeks to allow the work to take place, new owner Stephen Sutcliffe said he is delighted with the makeover.

He said: “We are very pleased with the results. It looks fantastic.

“For the last decade I think the bar has been neglected and badly treated.

“It became very run-down when at one point it was one of the most popular pubs in the village.

“We feel like we have restored it to its former glory now.

“It is a beautiful pub in a beautiful village and I think our customers deserve for it to be good quality.

“When you go out to a pub it’s about the environment and the experience and our contractors have done a great job in creating a positive one.”

Mr Sutcliffe, 42, who is originally from Darwen, was drawn to the pub after making many visits to Edgworth as a child.

He has been part of the catering industry since he was in his teens and worked in branding in Spain for eight years before returning to East Lancashire 18 months ago.

More than 150 people filled the venue for the opening night which saw customers enjoying plenty of mulled cider and live music.

Mr Sutcliffe has aimed to make the refurbishment a mixture of the old character of the pub and a fresh, contemporary style.

Food service is set to begin in January, offering tapas and Mediterranean dishes once work has been completed in the kitchen.

Mr Sutcliffe also has visions of extending the dining area with a conservatory next year.

Cllr Jean Rigby, Blackburn with Darwen councillor for North Turton with Tockholes, said: “I am fully supportive of the fantastic investment that Mr Sutcliffe has made.

“The pub has changed owners a lot of times and the crowds that go to pubs now are changing, so it is positive that someone has seen the potential in the venue and wants to take it on for the long-term.

“I know that the local people will be supportive of this and I do wish him well and hope that it is a great success.”