A BLACKBURN bar is to undergoing a £250,000 facelift.

The Woodlands Hotel in Preston New Road is closed for six weeks while the venue, decorated with "seventies flower power" wallpaper is transformed into a modern bar and restaurant.

The 300 metre-square bar - once the favoured hang-out of Kenny Dalglish and Jack Walker for Blackburn Rovers' celebrations - was taken over by managers Gary Henderson and Deborah Warner in September.

Deborah, 37, who has been involved in the pub trade all her life, said: "I am so excited I have got butterflies but it is going to be fantastic.

"We are trying to cater for everyone and now we have been in the bar a few months we know what people want."

The couple are hoping to create a modern feel with new floors, tiling, painted walls and an open fire.

Gary, 33, who worked in construction before taking over the pub, said: "We had to get rid of the seventies flower power wallpaper and the run down interior.

"No work has been done on the pub for fifteen years.

"We know we can turn it around and have already made a lot of head way."

Unique Pub company, which owns the pub, has stumped up 80 per cent of the cash.

Joe Wade, business development manager with West Yorkshire-based Unique Pub Company, said: "We have invested the money for two reasons. Firstly there seems to be a real potential in the area supported by a housing development and secondly, because of the huge effort and impetus Gary and Deborah have already made.

"We have seen the transformations they have already made and believe in them enough for such a substantial investment."

The new bar will concentrate on modern audio and plasma entertainment systems with live acoustic evening entertainment and blues performances.

The former Greek restaurant in the basement will open as a Mediterranean style eatery in autumn.