A PUB in Burton is undergoing major renovation work in a bid to restore it to its former glory.

The Oak Inn has been taken over by tenants Rob and Tracy Ford who are moving down from Hull to take over the business.

Owned by Punch Taverns, the £200,000 refurbishment will see the pub transformed inside and out when it reopens for business on May 17.

It was closed on April 3 and will see "everything but the roof" changed during the works, Mr Ford said.

"The exterior of the building is being upgraded but it will have its original character kept intact," he said.

"Windows are being repaired or replaced and there will be new picnic benches and the carpark is being resurfaced.

"Inside all the fixtures and fittings will be removed including the floor coverings.

"The pub is being completely redecorated. There will be new oak flooring, and slate type flooring too at the bar, and new carpet in the lounge."

Part of the wall currently separating the bar and lounge will also be removed to open the space up and stop punters from having to go outside to access one room from the other.

Mr Ford said: "If you wanted to go from one to the other you had to go outside. And there will be a two-sided log burner.

"Nothing really is going to be untouched."

The kitchen is also going to be given an overhaul with the old units and equipment being replaced for new ones, and the cellar will be refurbished.

"It really is everything apart the roof, which is a relief," Mr Ford said.

"The pub was looking tired and was quite impractical in terms of how the business flowed. It was from a different age really. But each room will still have its own character."

Mr Ford said the builders and architect have done a "sterling job" of the works so far and he is excited about moving to the new premises.

"We were looking for a certain lifestyle," he added. "It is close to the sea but not too close, close to the New Forest and we thought we could really make a success of it."