This week’s pub review gives me extra satisfaction to highlight a pub, that was, until recently, looking tired, run down and in need of some tender loving care.

Step in Paul Jackson, who thankfully saw the potential of this semi-rural establishment — and in 12 months has transformed this pub, into the hub of the local community.

It's located, not surprisingly, just a few yards from Pleasington railway station.

And the cobblestone fronted pub, looked most attractive in the afternoon sunshine — but no time to hang about outside.

Let's see what it had to offer internally.

The pub has been renovated most sympathetically, retaining its old fashioned charm and warmth.

Dark oak furnishings, ornate lighting, leaded windows and stone tiled flooring giving it a classy, internal look.

It's now a more open plan hostelry, with a spacious lounge area and attractive L-shaped bar. There's also a comfy snug type room, which offers a more sedate type of relaxation.

The decor is bright, with its warm, light pastel shades — and of course, there were many old pictures depicting the local railway heritage.

The pub offers a good range of ales, four in total — and all reasonably priced at £2.75 a pint.

My first slurp was Black Sheep Bitter.

No introduction necessary, really — a most flavoursome, easy drinking ale.

It was in good nick, and went down a treat.

It wasn't long before 'the gaffer', Paul Jackson made an appearance.

A most jovial, talkative and affable character, who loved having lots of banter with the staff and customers.

Thankfully, Sammy, behind the bar, had a good sense of humour.

She was a most pleasant and helpful young lady.

There's lots going on at the pub. It boasts a superb bowling green, sports pavilion and seating area, directly across the road - a quite unique social facility for patrons and the local community.

Paul said: “There's a bowls match on Saturday between the supporters of Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic. Breakfast at 9.30am. Then, the big bowls challenge.”

Food is served seven days a week, 12-7pm.

The pub has gained a good reputation for home cooked food. It's so popular, three chefs and nine staff are employed to cope with demand during busy times.

Paul said: “Try one of chef’s specially prepared pies.”

Well, it would be rude not to.

The steak and ale pie, hand-cut chips, mushy peas and gravy, is just one selection from an extensive menu.

It was sumptuous in the extreme — and the serving was enormous. It was easy to see why there had been so many favourable reports.

There was just time to sample their best-selling ale. Reedley Hallows’ Old Laund Bitter.

A malty, refreshing and lightly hopped delight — again in tip-top condition. It rounded off a most enjoyable visit.

The Railway Inn, is a classic example of how a once-ailing, company owned pub, can quickly become, through investment, hard work and vision, a thriving, community asset, once more.

Paul Jackson seized that opportunity.

He is a local hero — no argument.