Arkell's Brewery has named its soon-to-be-opened pub at St Andrew's Ridge.

After hundreds of suggestions from locals, a decision has been made to christen the watering hole The Jovial Monk.

Managing director James Arkell said: "It was tough to come to a final decision on the name, after we had received so many original ideas from the people of Swindon. We chose The Jovial Monk because it has links with local history and sounds fun. We have also been told that there was a monastery at Blunsdon, and I'm sure they all drank mead!"

When Arkell's asked the public if they could come up with a new name for the pub they received over a hundred suggestions.

Directors searched through the original, logical names such as The Ridge Inn and The Millennium to the more unusual names such as Ducking and The Egg and Chicken.

The new name came from the new landlord, Oliver Cleary, who is currently running the Arkell's pub The Plough at Fairford.

Mr Cleary said: "The name seems to best represent The Jovial Monk's purpose and location and I have already got loads of ideas for the pub."

Mr Cleary and his wife Sheila have been in the pub trade for eight years and are delighted to be moving to West Swindon on this new venture.

Arkell's Brewery and the Clearys are planning a bash to celebrate the public opening of The Jovial Monk on November 15.