THE new landlord of a popular Worcestershire pub has banned customers from smoking inside the building in preparation for the national ban which will be introduced on July 1.

Under the new legislation, smoking in all indoor public places in the UK will be prohibited.

After briefly closing the doors of the Old Cock Inn, Friar Street, Droitwich, new licensee Justin Bradley has now re-opened with a clean air policy.

Mr Bradley said: "I'm investing about £40,000 over the next few months, refurbishing and redecorating this great community pub.

"My main aim is to provide locals and visitors with a traditional drinking pub that has a quality food focus. And as the pub only had a small smoking area, I thought that we may as well start as we mean to go on. With the ban taking effect from July 1, we're already helping new and old customers benefit from the change.

"Since we've reopened we've had a very positive response from customers."

The pub will remain open during a revamp which will create a new restaurant and outdoor area.

Mr Bradley grew up in Droitwich and has run restaurants in Worcester.