A PUB in the heart of Leigh is set to boast a fresh new look after bosses started work on a revamp set to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Builders are on site at Mariners Court pub, in Broadway, Leigh - near the Grand - with the doors now temporarily closed to punters.

As part of the works the old bar will be ripped out and replaced with a state-of-the-art granite bar.

Bosses are planning to reopen in early February.

Images shared by the business on social media show extensive works to the interior of the pub.

Chris Huggett, manager of the pub, told the Echo: “We are updating and renewing the pub as no work like this has been done for about 20 years.

“It will give it a new fresh look, and we are removing the raised areas at the back and also a porch area out the front to give us more seating areas.

“It will have a new lick of paint and a replacement granite bar too. It is costing hundreds of thousands and is a significant investment for us.”

He added: “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to see the new look, and customers have been contacting us saying how keen they are too.

“It’s long overdue and a lot of time and effort has gone into this so we are looking forward to seeing new finished look. It’s quite a big change and was due to happen this time last year.”

The pub is being repainted green outside and new signs will also be put up.

Mr Huggett said the pub is planning DJ nights for early February and more information will be released about events soon.

He added: “The team is working so hard and doing a great job. We’ve been planning this for some time now.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for culture, said: “Any refresh of an existing business and investment in business is a good thing.

“I am sure they will reap the rewards from this. It’s been going for some time and is very popular.

“Hospitality businesses have been hit very hard over the past few years so it is even more welcome and good to see this.”