A VILLAGE pub is set to re-open following a £20,000 refurbishment.

The Gordon Lennox Arms, Burnley Road, Cliviger, is under new ownership after the former landlord was struck down by serious illness while on holiday.

Ian Jagger, 50, had a stroke and heart attack in Turkey this summer. He is on the long road to recovery as he battles back to health after defying doctors' expectations to survive a series of life-threatening illnesses.

The pub, which re-opens on Monday, was run by his brother Steven in his absence but has now been take over by Brian Parker and Peter Whitehead, who also run The Commercial in Briercliffe Road, Harle Syke.

Mr Parker said: "It's a brand new start for the pub. There will be a full entertainment bill every single week."

But Mr Jagger is not forgotten and Mr Parker, who has been good friend of his for thirty years, is helping with fundraising events to aid the stricken landlord and his family.

The next event will take place on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm at Burnley League Club featuring bands, artistes, comedians, a raffle and an auction featuring donated mementoes from ex-Clarets stars.

Mr Jagger is continuing to be cared for at Burnley General Hospital but is yet to recover his speech or feeling down his right-hand side.