THE new landlady of a pub plagued by vandal attacks has planted an oak tree to show the thugs she is here to stay.

For first-time landlady Rose Farries, owning a pub like the Royal Oak in picturesque Hallow has been a lifelong dream.

But the dream turned into a nightmare when vandals launched a personal attack on her just days after she took over, daubing "she must go" and "customers wanted" in green paint over the walls.

"There was no way I was going to leave," said Ms Farries.

"I'm five feet of dynamite that you don't want to light. The vandals lit it and I'm still here."

To make matters worse, the pub lost power to one of its three circuits in Sunday's storms, and was only reconnected 15 minutes before the official opening on Wednesday - when Ms Farries planted the Red Oak.

"Until then we had some very romantic lighting," said Ms Farries.

The refurbishment took seven-and-a-half weeks to complete, including remodelling of the bar, repainting inside and out and resurfacing the car park.

Extensive work was also carried out on the kitchen.

"The pub was closed for three-and-a-half weeks, which is quite a long time for a pub," said the 45-year-old.

"The whole place has been painted in the traditional colours, green and cream, and there are brand new signs.

"Inside we've opened up the bar and we've got free-standing tables and chairs.

"I want it to be a proper locals pub, with proper pub grub.

"Everyone has been so helpful. Chemical Solutions, who did the kitchens, stayed behind to help tidy up the rest of the place."

"This is my dream".