A LANDLORD who rescued his daughter and grandchildren from a pub fire says it will reopen soon.

Terry Budd, who owns the Red Lion, in Coxhoe, breathed a sigh of relief when his insurance company confirmed he was covered after his bar was destroyed by fire last Saturday morning.

He has only been in charge of the pub for five weeks and has invested about £20,000 refurbishing the building.

Mr Budd was intending to use one of the downstairs rooms as a restaurant, but it is now being used as a temporary bar.

Mr Budd said: "The locals came in and offered to help clear up. I have had loads of offers of help. Everyone has been smashing."

The fire melted beer pumps, drip trays and the till. The cigarette and fruit machines were destroyed.

Mr Budd hopes the repairs will be completed in about six weeks time, but the bar will be open sooner.