A BLACKBURN pub is preparing to open its restaurant doors for the very first time after a three month transformation.

The Observatory, in Old Bank Lane, has received a face-lift including the introduction of a new beer garden and extended lounge.

"We just want it all to start now," said licensee Caroline Smith. "We have never served food before at The Observatory, so this is a big move for us but we are very optimistic about the future."

The pub also boasts new games facilities and two big screens for customers to watch sport on.

Food will be served every lunchtime and evening and all day Saturday and Sunday.

THE manager of a Blackburn pub enjoyed running the place so much she has decided to become the new landlady.

Alison Fisher, 42, has been a manager at the Traders Arms, Mellor Lane, Mellor for 18 months and has now taken on the Thwaites pub as a tenancy.

TWENTY regulars at the Intack Inn, Blackburn, put their walking boots on at the weekend to raise money for the East Lancashire Hospice by trekking back to the pub - from Blackpool!