A NEW £1.3million pub will open its doors in Blackburn for the first time next week.

The newly built Willows pub at Guide, which opens on Monday, overlooks picturesque Fishmoor reservoir.

The pub, which is operated by Pathfinder Pubs, will create 40 new jobs, including bar and kitchen staff.

It is being run by Gerry and Barbara Barnes, who have been with Pathfinder Pubs for 13 years and have run pubs in Dudley, Warrington, Ellesmere Port and Weston-super-Mare.

Pathfinder said The Willows, one of only a few new-build pubs to be erected in Blackburn in the last decade, has an open-plan layout with several snug areas for drinkers and diners alike.

A spokesman for the British Beer and Pubs Association said such new-build pubs were unusual because so many existing pubs were being closed down up and down the country.

The Willows will have leather seating, large bay windows, a patio and children's play area, 70 car parking spaces and full disabled access.

Barbara, who has won a British Innkeeping Institute training award for the quality of her work as a licensee, has been busy putting her new employees through their paces.

She said: "We've recruited a great team and can't wait to open our doors for business. We're confident that the Willows will appeal to a broad range of customers, from local residents, to business people and office workers."

Gerry, 53, added: "I think people will like the new pub, it is very modern and spacious and we can't wait to see what our customers think."

The name of the pub was chosen by Pathfinder and two willow trees have been planted in the pub grounds to mark the new name.

Pathfinder Pubs was created in March 2002, when parent company Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries decided to operate it as a separate business. It currently has around 550 pubs across England and Wales.