A VOLUNTEER from Oxton was special guest at the official reopening of a pub in the village.

The Shrewsbury Arms has recently undergone a £150,000 refurbishment.

Oxton Conservation Society supporter, Steve Ferguson, was chosen by general Ronnie Karlsen to perform the opening ceremony.

The Oxton Conservation Society was created in 1978 to provide support and funds for the variety of charities within Oxton village such as; Shaftsbury Boys Club, Birkenhead Youth Club, Viking Youth Club and Helplink Support.

Steve Ferguson was chosen for for his commitment to the society, helping to raise over £100,000 over the last forty years.

He said: "I am over the moon to reopen the Shrewsbury Arms. It's one of my favourite pubs and I'm thrilled to see it receive this investment which will no doubt see it go from strength to strength."

The John Barras pub, owned by Spirit Pub Company, has been completely refurbished and now focuses on being a community hub that’s known for its sports entertainment and wide variety of quality ales, lagers and beers.

Ronnie Karlsen, general manager said: "Steve is an absolutely fantastic gent!

"He plays a key role at the Conservation society and is incredibly selfless in his efforts, so felt we should use our opening as an opportunity to give him some recognition and reward for all he has achieved."

The investment by Spirit has seen the pub receive a major interior update which includes a new décor, furniture and a refurbished bar with updated guest toilets.

Ronnie added: "With so many pubs closing on a weekly basis and losing the central hub of their community, it’s great that we’re still going strong and worth investing in.

"We really want to be famous within our community as being the best place for ales.

"We have four cask ales running at any one time and work with local and national breweries to constantly keep our guests coming back for something new.”

John Barras is a brand from Spirit Pub Company which owns and operates 791 managed pubs across the UK. Other brands in its portfolio include Flaming Grill, Chef & Brewer, Fayre & Square and Taylor Walker.