FOURTEEN months after it was ravaged by fire, a 14th Century country pub in Worcestershire has been fully restored and will welcome visitors back through its doors for the first time today.

Regulars at The Fleece Inn at Bretforton, in the Vale of Evesham, have been frequenting a temporary bar in the barn next door while painstaking restorations were underway to the National Trust- owned watering hole.

The project has restored the historic interiors of the inn's public rooms almost exactly as they were before the fire, while the kitchen, cellar and other facilities, - including the lavatories - have been improved.

The historic contents, including the collection of pewter plates dating back from the early 18th Century, have also been returned.

However, it's not just the contents that gives the Fleece its special character - the concentric 'witch' circles have also been reinstated at the front of the fire places.

Former owner Lola Taplin, who donated the inn to the National Trust in 1978, believed that they would stop witches from entering.

"It's absolutely great to be open once again," said landlord Nigel Smith. "Today marks a new chapter in the history of the Fleece. We have had so much support from people far and wide and we are looking forward to welcoming them back."

Ben Shipton, area manager at the National Trust, said when the restoration began everyone who loved the Fleece was promised that it would be just like coming home when it was completed.

"I am delighted that we have achieved this and we are all looking forward to raising a glass to celebrate with Nigel and the villagers of Bretforton," he added.

Today marks the start of a series of events that celebrate the reopening of the inn and culminate in a grand opening weekend on Saturday, June 18 which will include the launch of a special celebration ale.