A historic village pub that was devastated by fire almost six months ago will officially re-open on Saturday.

The Rattlebone Inn, in Sherston, was shut for five weeks after a blaze spread through the first floor on March 18.

Although Sherston’s only public house reopened at Easter, it has been surrounded with scaffolding since the blaze as its 17th century exterior was painstakingly restored.

Now the wraps are finally off, much to the delight of landlord Jason Read.

He said: “It’s been a long time since it was looking like it should do. We are thrilled to be officially reopening.”

He said that Saturday evening’s re-launch party, which starts at 7.30pm, would be a special night both for the pub and the village.

A series of events have been laid on to celebrate the reopening, including an authentic Argentinian roast, a cocktail bar, a Hawaiian shirt contest and music from Billy In The Lowground.