AN historic hostelry in Burnley has been recognised nationally for the results of a major overhaul.

Architects and builders took the Tim Bobbin back to its original four-room layout during a six-month refurbishment.

Real ale campaigning group Camra has now singled out the Padiham Road landmark as one of three outstanding pubs in its annual design awards. 

Joey and Debra Robinson, who have overseen the venue since the November 2015 renovations, are convinced the 'back to the future' approach, which saw stone floors and period fireplaces restored, has worked a treat.

Mr Robinson, a former soldier with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, said: "Before the refurbishment it was all sticky carpets and the wrong crowd.

"But now we have people who come in for a quiet pint or a meal during the day, those who pop in on their way home from work and it gets busier on Fridays and Saturdays."

His wife, who used to work at the pub, now ensures it is spotless.

The hard-working couple didn't even take time off to collect their award in London, with representatives from their brewery, Samuel Smith's, collecting the prize.

Customer Norman Pollard, 74, from Padiham, said: "I used to come into the old pub and came past on the bus while it was all going on.

"I always wanted to come back when it was rebuilt.

"It's turned out really nice - a nice pint in pleasant surroundings."

The Grade II-listed Scottish Stores, in London's King Cross, and The Ship Inn at Shalesmoor, Sheffield, were also recognised at the Camra awards.

Awards co-ordinator Sean Murphy said: "All three show the huge potential for restoring and preserving much-loved heritage pubs to their former glory, even after decades of change."

The original Tim Bobbin, born John Collier, was a Lancashire dialect poet.