LORD Sebastian Coe has reopened his local pub, The Donkey in Charles Hill, Tilford, following a £35,000 investment into a new dining room.

A close family friend of licensees Lee and Helen Francis, Lord Coe agreed to cut the ribbon for the new conservatory-restaurant, which seats more than 40 people.

Lee was delighted when he heard back from Lord Coe, who took time out of his busy schedule to visit The Donkey, which has been a public house since 1850.

"We've known Seb for years, but were surprised to hear he'd be available to help us reopen the pub as it's always so tough to pin him down, as you can imagine!"

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.