FORMER champion jockey and new chairman of Swindon Town Football Club, Willie Carson, turned up to show his appreciation for a £200,000 refit of the The Plough at Stratton in Cirencester.

The Plough's locals are also celebrating the pub's new skittle alley, which according to landlady, Cherie Tancock, has been much anticipated by local skittles players.

"Since we advertised that Arkell's were building a new skittle alley, we have been approached by a lot of teams who want to play at The Plough," she said.

Managing director at Arkell's Brewery, James Arkell, said: "Since taking over The Plough last December, Cherie and Ellwyn have worked incredibly hard and not only is the pub thriving, but its regular trade is increasing. The Plough now has fantastic facilities, but retains its traditional pub atmosphere."

With the help of their head chef, Tony Martin, Landlord Elwyn Simpson and Cherie Tancock are offering traditional home-cooked food in generous portions in the pub's new 40-seater restaurant.

And the pub's new facilities do not stop at the skittle alley, as the pub also has four letting rooms, which have been converted out of the two cottages next door to the pub.

During renovation work on the 250-year-old pub, builders found some unusual features, including carvings of the builders' names from the last time the pub was renovated over 50 years ago.

The builders also stumbled over a 30ft well, which was the main water supply to the pub before it was connected to mains water, and they have made this a feature outside the pub.