A pub in Sawtry has been transformed and 14 new jobs created after an £85,000 programme of refurbishment.

National operator, Punch and the landlords of The Bell have poured thousands of pounds into the pub to give it a new lease of life and offer a “much-improved pub experience for all the family”.

A new team comprising business partners, Vince Gosling, Carla Phillips and Melanie Bhamra, have taken over the reins at the Green End Road pub.

Ms Bhamra, who is in charge of front-of-house, said: “The Bell had been closed for several months and it’s finally been given the makeover it deserves. The pub is ideally located in the village and we have some great plans in place to make it a suitable venue for all the family to enjoy.

“Throughout the week we will have plenty of promotions and plan to boost competition within the local pool, darts and domino teams. We’ll have live entertainment on Friday nights, a Sunday night quiz and Sky and BT Sports.”

Mike Rieder, new business development manager for Punch, added: “The Bell pub is a great community asset we wanted to bring it back to its past prominence within the village.

“Our main priority was to restore The Bell to its rightful place at the heart of the community, with a clear focus on delivering a great pub experience for local people, a proper British pub.

“We’re confident that our customers will be delighted with the refurbishment, it’s still a true family-friendly, local pub with a strong drink offer together and a regular calendar of events to bring the community together.”