A LOCAL fundraiser opened the newly refurbished Acorn pub last week ahead of plans to raise cash for Claire House.

The Bebington pub was reopened as a new Sizzling Pub and Grill by Wirral Coastal Kayak organiser Mike Dudley.

Over the coming months the pub and its staff are planning a host of fundraising events and activities in the hope of raising cash and awareness for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Mike has raised more than £18,000 for Claire House with his annual kayak event.

Located on Village Road, the refreshed Acorn resumed serving guests after an extensive two-week refurbishment.

Six new jobs have been created for the local area.

Mike told the Globe: “I’m thrilled to have been given the honour of officially reopening the Acorn and the support they’ve pledged to Claire House Children’s Hospice is absolutely amazing.

“We can’t wait to start working with the Acorn team to help raise funds and awareness for the hospice.

"They have some great looking local events in the pipeline to support Claire House and we’re sure they’ll be well received within the local community.”

General manager Richard Fearnley-Smith said: “We’re so pleased at how brilliant the Acorn looks following the refurbishment, and we were thrilled to have Mike cut the ceremonial ribbon for us.

“Mike founded the annual Wirral Coastal Kayak event back in 2011 and the kayak team has grown rapidly since then raising £18,000 for Claire House and around £5000 for other charities.

"Last year’s event saw participants raise a brilliant total of £4132 by kayaking from New Brighton to Thurstaston beach.

"We were thrilled to get involved by hosting a charity night prior to the event and are looking forward to continuing our support this year.

“Bringing the new look Sizzling Pub & Grill to the Wirral is really exciting for the whole team.

"At Sizzling Pub & Grill, we want to offer good food and good value for all our guests, and we’re thrilled to be providing the area with a new dining destination that does that in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

“The pub looks fantastic following its refurbishment. We can’t wait to welcome back our regulars and the people of the Wirral to see what the new look Acorn is all about.”

Following the refurbishment, the Acorn will continue to look to support the local community with a calendar of fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

For more information on Claire House Children’s Hospice and the work they do to help seriously and terminally ill children please visit www.clairehouse.org.uk