WORK has started this week to restore an historic Vale of Evesham pub gutted by fire.

Specialist techniques will be used on the 14th century Fleece Inn at Bretforton owned by the National Trust.

Work on the timber-framed building is expected to be completed next spring when the Fleece Inn, which has been the village pub for more than 150 years, expects to pull its first pint since the blaze last February.

The work will include the complete rebuilding of much of the roof and extensive repairs to the first floor.

Improvements to kitchen facilities and toilets, which were originally built in the 1970s and 1980s, will also be undertaken, as well as providing improved access for the disabled.

National Trust project manager Ben Shipston said: "We are delighted that the restoration project is starting and are planning a range of events to help local people learn about the range of specialised skills and techniques that will be essential to the rebuilding of the timber framed construction.

The fire at the end of February caused huge damage to the building but firefighters and villagers were able to rescue most of the historic contents."

Tenant and landlord Nigel Smith is running a temporary pub from a nearby barn.

There is a winter programme of events planned in the barn and there will be a special celebration to mark the reopening of The Fleece.

Mr Smith, who lives in a flat in the pub but now lives in a static caravan in the grounds, said: "I, staff and customers are excited that work has started and we can't wait to move back in." The Fleece Inn was donated to the National Trust in 1977 and the trust hopes to restore as much of the building as possible to its original conditions.