A NEW pub called The Trawl Boat Inn opened its doors and beer garden this week to net a whopping catch of punters -- who could hopefully drink like fish!

The St Annes pub drew crowds of thirsty visitors on its debut opening day (May 23) amid sweltering heat and sunshine.

Pub operator JD Wetherspoon purchased the two former offices on Wood Street and spent £1.2 million converting them into the new development during the last five months.

Sheila Parker officially declared the pub open. The Lytham St Annes lady was given this privilege as part of her prize for winning a Citizen competition to name the pub.

Pub manager David Snape commented on the first day: "It has gone brilliant. We have been very busy and the weather has been exceptionally good. Lots of people sat out in the beer garden and we had a real lunch time rush." Thirty new full and part-time jobs are being created at the venue, which is being jointly managed by David and Mary Dickinson.

The Trawl Boat Inn is a music-free environment and pool tables are strictly banned. About one-third of the customer area is non-smoking and has access for wheelchairs and there is a specially-adapted toilet for disabled people.

The Trawl Boat Inn -- which will carry on the name of one of the town's oldest former hostelries -- specialises in cask-conditioned beers, serving up to eight at any time. It is open all permitted hours, including all day Sunday, and serves a full menu throughout.

Manager Mary Dickinson added: "David and I are looking forward to welcoming people to the pub. We are confident that people in the town will be impressed with the transformation of the building and pleased to see it in use once again."