NELSON landlord Dave Coffey is hoping to create one of the top live music venues in the region after a £100,000 refurbishment at the Shooter's Arms.

Dave said the Southfield pub has now been completely transformed after he made a request to Thwaites Brewery to create a bigger pool room.

Just weeks later Dave is raising a glass in celebration of the refurbishment.

He said: "It's been a real whirlwind.

"I mentioned the idea of a new pool room to John Shuttleworth, sales manager, at the brewery and have ended up with virtually a new pub.

"We have created a smart games room, we have extended the building to incorporate a new kitchen, introduced disabled facilities and knocked a few walls down to give us more dining space."

Dave, 50, is hoping to turn the Shooters into one of the region's top venues for music after obtaining a public entertainment licence.

He said: "The aim is to have live acts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights."