A NEW look Oldbury pub received a bit of Christmas magic as reopened with a helping hand from Santa.

The George Sizzling Pub & Grill, based in George Road, Warley, honoured community hero, David Upson, when the eatery was officially reopened following an extensive remodel.

David, who is well known for dressing up as Santa each Christmas, was invited to reopen the new look pub, making him guest of honour at a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

He was named the pub’s community hero thanks to his work with Warley Baptist Church and their Baby Basics programme which provides free, much needed essentials and equipment to vulnerable mothers and families who need it most.

The pub, which resumed serving guests after an extensive two-week refurbishment which has seen seven new jobs created, and its staff are now planning to host fundraising events and activities to support Baby Basics.

Heather Wagstaff, general manager, said: “We’re so pleased at how brilliant the George looks following the refurbishment, and we were thrilled to have had David come to cut the ceremonial ribbon for us.

“David is a lovely, generous man who is well liked within the local community, especially when being our local Santa around Christmas time.

“He kindly agreed to come down and reopen the pub for us following our big remodel. It’s not everyday you get to have Santa reopen your pub.

“He does so much for the local community, especially with Warley Baptist Church and the Baby Basics programme, and we wanted to do something to say thank you.

“So, making him our guest of honour for our big night felt like the perfect way to do it.”

For more information on David’s work with Warley Baptist Church and the work they do to help young mothers and families, visit www.warleybaptist.org.uk/baby-basics.

Heather added: “The pub looks fantastic following its refurbishment. We can’t wait to welcome back our regulars and the people of the Oldbury to see what the new look George is all about.”