A Todmorden pub has reopened after a £150,000 refurbishment.

The Hare and Hounds, on Burnley Road, was the scene of celebration as Mayor Cllr Steph Booth officially opened the revamped pub.

New licensees Richard and Tiffanie Carlton, who have lived in the area all their lives, have overseen a total new look, funded in partnership with Blackburn-based brewer Daniel Thwaites.

Tiffanie said: “Richard and I have put a lot of thought and hard work into the changes that have been made to the pub and our four children have definitely been a big inspiration for us in tailoring the pub’s interior and exterior to be more family orientated.

"We’re overwhelmed with the support we’ve received from the local community and were delighted to welcome the new mayor to officiate the ribbon cutting.”

The pub also enjoyed a visit from Thwaites’ famous dray horses, Wainwright and Bomber, and Todmorden Community 20-piece brass band to toast the Hare and Hounds’ new look.

Everything from the bar and dining area to the toilet cubicles were ripped out and replaced, giving the pub’s interior a total facelift.

Award-winning chef, Richard, has also had a lot of influence on the new menu.

He said: “We wanted to offer a traditional pub dining experience that celebrated home cooking and locally sourced produce.

“We’ve had some great support, in particular from local gardening enthusiasts Incredible Edible, who we will continue working with to adapt the pub garden in order to generate produce for the kitchen.

"Our aim is to offer our customers a classic dining feel with a modern twist – I like to think that’s what we’ve managed to achieve.”

The investment is a massive boost to the industry at a time when many pubs are closing down.

Tiffanie said: “The Hare and Hounds used to be a drinker’s pub but with so many schools and parks nearby we wanted to incorporate more of a well-rounded, family atmosphere.”

Mayor Cllr Steph Booth, who was at the reopening, said: “The changes that have been made are truly stunning and will help ensure the pub’s continued place as an important and vibrant part of the local community.”