A GLASS has been raised to two ‘local champions’ after a pub was reopened following a £75,000 renovation.

Colin Manford and Emma Kearney are the landlord and landlady of the Black Dog in Oswaldtwistle which recently reopened after closing for refurbishment on Sunday, August 6.

Mr Manford, brother of comedian Jason, received the keys to the Union Road pub with his partner at the end of October last year after it closed under its previous owners at the start of the month.

It has now undergone a refurbishment which has seen new patio furniture at the front, a smoking area at the rear and newly decorated furniture inside.

Mrs Kearney said she is pleased with the outcome of the work.

She said: “It should secure the pub's future for years to come.

“We were very keen to keep the soul of the pub and hopefully we’ve done that.

“We have had great feedback, the reaction from people has been fantastic.

“It was a lot of hard work to get all the work done and we’re really proud of all our staff.

“It’s been worth it, it looks beautiful.”

The couple said it was important the classic stain glass features remained at the pub, which has served the area for ‘nearly 200 years’.

The number of outdoor tables has also increased as the pub looks to open its kitchen in autumn this year.

The Black Dog was given the prize for Best Community Involvement at the Thwaites Pub Awards earlier this year.

Andrew Buchanan director for pubs and brewing at Daniel Thwaites, said the venue has a bright future.

He said: “Emma and Colin have gone a long way to rebuilding the trust in the local community and have done so by being fully committed to being involved in all aspects of local life.

“They are true local champions.

“The Black Dog will continue to grow and become an ever stronger part of the local community.

“It safe in the hands of Emma and Colin.”

The couple, who are both stand-up comedians, are regular performers at Manford’s Comedy Club at Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre.

The couple got engaged earlier this year on stage at the comedy club’s birthday party at the civic theatre in April last year.