CUSTOMERS are being welcomed back to the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, months after a fire ripped through the historic National Trust owned pub.

While contractors continue the painstaking work of restoring the 14th century timber-framed building, a temporary bar has been created inside a thatched barn in the grounds of the pub.

Villagers looked on in horror as fire spread along the Fleece's roof in February and joined staff in a bid to rescue the pub's ancient furniture and its collection of pewter. Fire crews from across the area battled the flames, which destroyed much of the pub's roof and upper floor but miraculously caused little damage to the bar areas.

Since the fire the National Trust has vowed to restore the pub but in the meantime landlord Nigel Smith needed somewhere to continue serving his regulars.

"It was really important that the pub stayed at the heart of the community and I'm delighted that we are up and running again, albeit in the barn," he said. "I've had support from so many people who have all done their bit to help us open again."

The Fleece will still be the venue for asparagus auctions on May 30 and June 6 and several wedding celebrations booked before the fire are still going ahead. The pub's Thursday night folk nights are also back, possibly better than ever.

Contractors are currently doing remedial work to stabilise the building and the reconstruction process is due to start at the end of the summer. The bar areas will be restored but the kitchen and toilet facilities will be improved. The pub should reopen by next March.