THE new owners of a former pub – which is being renovated ahead of its re-opening this summer – have also given a new lease of life to an old tree outside the venue.

Intricate carvings have been created in a tree outside the former New Inn in Bartestree, which will re-open later this year as The Godwins hotel.

Allworks Properties, the new owners of the venue, have been carrying out renovation works of the building over the last few months.

The firm operates hotels in Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Leeds and Wakefield and intend to add the New Inn as a destination accommodation to visit Hereford.

They employed a number of local artisans to carry out the works including Simon Hudson Stoneworks and Thomas Chainsaw Carving who have created the tree sculpture, together with their own tradesmen.

The property will be named 'The Godwins' after the family it was built for, linking the village to its past.

John Rivers, from Allworks Properties, said: "We have had considerable assistance from Herefordshire Council's planning and conservation department who understood the need to adapt the listed building in an effort to ensure it becomes a viable property whist maintaining its original features."

The Godwins will open in early summer with eight boutique rooms, a tap room and patio with children's play area.