A MAJOR refurbishment at a popular Barrowford pub has is helping to pull in the customers.

Bosses at the White Bear in Gisburn Road have recorded "booming" trade figures since the establishment re-opened to the public six weeks ago.

The new-look White Bear has seen a huge rise in the number of guests visiting the pub. Ember Inns manager, Steven Robinson, said: "The response by guests has been phenomenal and takings have increased dramatically since we re-opened.

"Regulars hardly recognise the place, but most have commented on how fantastic the pub now looks.

"Word seems to be spreading quickly as we're attracting guests who haven't visited the pub for years - and they obviously like our new look because they keep coming back."

Independent mystery guest visits have been conducted each week since the pub's re-opening and the White Bear has scored highly during each visit, which measures cleanliness, service, food quality and general standards.

Steven added: "The pub's immediate popularity means we've got things right, and to maintain first-class standards when everything is so busy is a real credit to our hard working team."