THE village pub in Ogbourne St George is going into the New Year with a new name. Out goes the Wheatsheaf, the name by which the historic pub is known, and in comes the Silks on the Downs.

It is believed this has been a village pub for centuries and its new owners Mark and Sue said they want to put their own identity on it and give it a new image.

Historically the pub has been used by people from the local racing stables, from the lads up to the trainers and owners.

It is still popular with the racing fraternity and most nights some of the local trainers, their staff or visiting owners can be seen enjoying meals there.

Mr and Mrs Braddock have started a collection of racing silks that will be on display together with photographs of some noted local winners and stable characters.

The first silks they have acquired are in the green and pink colours of Prince Khaled Abdullah.

Mr Braddock said: "We have another six sets of silks coming and they will be going up before the change the name on January 6."