15335/2STILL basking in the glow of being confirmed as the West Country's village pub of the year, the Rose and Crown in Worton, near Devizes, is planning major changes in its service to the community.

Licensees Ellie-Preston Gill and John Leiper have just welcomed New Zealand chef, Kim Stevens, who will be taking over the kitchen at the 17th century Grade II listed inn.

Mr Stevens, 24, comes direct from the Omata Estate vineyard and restaurant in the North Island and will be bringing his expertise in seafood and Pacific Rim style cuisine to the menu at the pub, while keeping old favourites like fish and chips and steak.

Ms Preston-Gill and Mr Leiper are taking a small step back from the pub with their children Joss and Rubin. The family has moved to a house in West Lavington to make more room in the pub for bed and breakfast accommodation.

Ms Preston-Gill said: "Taking on Kim gives our dining room a more expansive food offering and frees up our time to be with our customers. This way, we get to share the workload and spend more time watching our children grow up in a healthier environment."

Ms Preston-Gill and Mr Leiper attended a gala presentation evening at the London Hilton last Thursday where they received their plaque as the West Village Pub of the Year.

The pub is still hoping to be the venue for a community shop and post office.

Local comedy performers Len Rosenfeld and Lewis Cowen will be giving a concert in aid of the scheme at the village hall on Saturday March 5. Tickets are on sale at the Rose and Crown and Devizes Books.