THE Commercial Pub in Colne is now back in business after 12 months of closing for refurbishment.

John Addison, 73, of Robert Street, Colne, has lived next door to the pub through all the upheaval at the Commercial and with all of his on-going support was invited to the reopening as guest of honour.

John said: "They have done a fantastic job considering the state the place was in at one stage.

"It has been noisy at times but is has been fascinating monitoring the process of the building work."

The refit at the Skipton Road pub has been a major project for Blackburn-based brewers Daniel Thwaites.

The new-look pub now has rooms to let and kitchen facilities.

It also has new tenant Patricia Sharkey, to make sure that the pub gets off to a successful start.

Patricia already runs two other pubs, the Walmsley Arms in Rishton and the Bay Horse in Haslingden. She said: "The Commercial has a long history in the town and I am delighted that we are putting it back on the map."

Thwaites Property Maintenance Manager, John Booth, said: "It is one of the biggest jobs that the brewery have been involved in.

"The ground floor has been opened up a little but the place still retains its character."