A LANDMARK pub popular with football fans is to reopen thanks to a £110,000 investment.

The Park View opposite Burnley FC's Turf Moor has been closed for two years but it will be transformed into a 'great quality community local' specialising in sports and entertainment.

Work will start on February 17 and the pub will reopen with an evening launch party on March 6 in time for the Burnley v Tottenham match the next day.

Ten new jobs will be created and licensee Tony Shirley – who has 20 years' experience in the trade – will take the helm.

The exterior will also be fully renovated and new signs and lights added.

Star Pubs and Bars and North West pub operators Blind Tiger Inns are behind the investment.

Mr Shirley said: “The Park View is an iconic Burnley pub and there has been lots of interest in its future.

"This refurbishment is just what it needs to bring it back to life. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the community in again.

"We’ll be going all out to cater for the needs of Clarets fans and create a party atmosphere for them on match days.

"We look forward to showing them Turf Moor’s new local at the Tottenham game.”

David Pritchard, Star Pubs and Bars operations director for Lancashire, added: “It has taken time to find the right operator for the Park View and Blind Tiger Inns are perfect.

"They have a fantastic track record for creating popular North West locals and have won awards for their sports facilities and community credentials. Their vision for the Park View is really exciting and will give local residents and Turf Moor the great quality pub they deserve.”

Subject to licensing permission, it is hoped to create a garden at the front with a patio, festoon lighting, a pagoda and planting, as well an outside bar stocking draught beers to meet demand on Turf Moor match days.

Bosses said the interior décor will pay homage to Burnley with photos tracing the town’s history, pictures of local points of interest and maps on the walls.

The pub will host live music nights and show case talent from across East Lancashire.

Mr Shirley plans to seek Cask Marque accreditation for the pub's ales.

The Lancashire Telegraph's pub expert Mark Briggs said: "It is very good news for the area as it has been closed for two years which is disappointing.

"It is good to see a pub opening when so many are closing.

"I expect it will have a modern theme and I hope they will be supporting local breweries."