ONE of Lancashire's oldest pubs, dating back to 1678, has been rejuvenated, thanks to a £130,000 investment.

Warrington-based Burtonwood Brewery own the Cross Gaits in Beverley Road, Blacko, which has been run by licensees Jane and Peter Smith for the past two years.

It has undergone a complete refurbishment, which has taken five weeks, and included a new kitchen and food servicing area.

The Cross Gaits, which means crossroads, dates back to at least 1678 and is located at the junction between Barnoldswick and Barrowford.

Peter and Jane, pictured outside the pub, are qualified chefs and were keen to retain the pub's unique character.

Jane said: "We were very careful not to change the Cross Gaits too much, because it is steeped in local history and we wanted to preserve that.

"Our customers are delighted with the new look because it has enhanced the existing characteristics of the pub rather than completely changed them.

"We've added new decor, fixtures and fittings, which will really ensure a warm welcome for out customers as winter sets in."

Burtonwood Brewery, founded in 1867, has more than 470 tenanted and managed pubs mainly in the North West, Yorkshire, Midlands and North Wales.