A WORCESTERSHIRE public house is set to open today for the first time in four years.

From noon drinkers and diners will be able to sit inside and once again enjoy The Masons at Castle Hill, Wichenford.

The pub has recently undergone a major refurbishment, including re-modelling the lounge bar into a public bar and the public bar being transformed into a lounge bar.

Jenny Madzarevic is the new landlady, running the establishment along with her husband Marijan.

"We have had a few bookings for food already so things are looking good," she said. "I'm excited, but a little bit apprehensive. However, I'm sure it will be fine."

The couple, who also run Keystones in Worcester, hope that The Masons will become a popular family-orientated local traditional pub.

The pub is still operating under the old opening times - closing time is 11pm.

An application is being made for permission to open until 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and 1.30am on Friday and Saturday, although the licensees do not intend to utilise these hours.

They are looking at regular opening hours of noon to 3pm and then 5pm to 11pm on Sunday to Thursday and noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The longer hours have been applied for just in case they wish to hold any special functions.

The public house hit the headlines four years ago when the former licensee allegedly shot a man who he thought was a burglar. Charges were later dropped.