PUB chain JD Wetherspoon has confirmed it will be Easter before its newest nightspot opens in Richmond.

The company boasted a six per cent rise in sales last October, with other outlets expected to open in Washington, on Wearside, and in Consett, County Durham.

The launch of the North Yorkshire pub, to be named the Ralph Fitz Randal, was originally planned for Christmas.

However, a spokesman confirmed yesterday that the opening date is now pencilled in for Easter Monday.

The £1m redevelopment of the former Post Office, in Richmond's Queen's Road, is expected to create as many as 25 full and part-time jobs.