REFURBISHMENT work at a rural Ribble Valley pub is set to start next week.

The White Bull in Gisburn has been closed since November 2013 ahead of the proposed facelift.

However, a succession of planning applications were rejected by the borough council before one was passed in August.

The Grade II-listed pub was established in 1865 and became the sole pub in the village after the closure of The New Inn, Ribblesdale Arms and The Commercial.

Star Pubs and Bars own the business and hope to reopen the pub in November. The company will spend £300,000 on the refurbishment, with a further £80,000 spent by the new tenants on fixtures and fittings.

The investment will be spent on upgrading the interior including making the seating and dining area more stylish and comfortable, installing a new back bar and adding a more attractive entrance from the car park.

The pub’s six letting rooms and function room will also be improved.