A town's mayor cut the ribbon to reopen an historic Oxfordshire pub.

The former Chequers Smokehouse on Corn Street in Witney has been bought by pub company Craft Union and renamed The Fleece and Flagon in homage to Witney’s blanket-making history.

Mayor Owen Collins attended the launch party, officially reopening the venue to the general public.

Stonegate CEO David McDowall and Craft Union Managing Director Frazer Grimbleby also gave speeches.

Craft Union donated £600 and a large amount of food items and essentials to the Witney & West Oxfordshire Food Bank at the event.

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Mr Grimbleby said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be opening our 600th site in the wonderful area of Witney, with the Fleece and Flagon being the prime example of what a great pub is.

“Our goal is to place the Fleece and Flagon at the heart of the local community and we know locals are going to love their new-look local, where we have been extra careful to renovate but stay true to the Grade II listed building’s historical roots.”

Mr Collins added: “It’s an honour to officially cut the ribbon and reopen this historic pub back to the locals with a fantastic celebration that showed just how excited people are to see this brilliant pub thriving once again.

“I’d also like to thank everyone at Craft Union for their kindness and generosity as their donations to the Witney & West Oxfordshire Food Bank will go such a long way in supporting those less fortunate in our community.”

The reopening weekend celebrations included a DJ set and karaoke, a family fun day with a BBQ, a photo booth, and an ABBA tribute act plus a local acoustic singer.