A MUCH-loved pub sign at The Crossways Inn, Churt has been restored to its former glory, 20 years after it was removed from the front of the pub as lorries and buses kept hitting it.

The sign, showing two motorists jostling for position at the village crossroads, plus its new oak signpost and iron work, was unveiled in its new location set back from the road on Saturday, March 17 during the pub’s mini beer festival.

Its restoration was only made possible with proceeds from a ‘sponsor a barrel’ initiative at last year’s annual summer beer festival, inviting local businesses and people to pledge support in return for advertising and vouchers to sample the 40 real ales on offer, and with the help of a passionate regular who has asked to remain anonymous.

A smaller beer festival was held on the weekend of March 16 to 18 to celebrate the sign’s restoration, with 10 local real ales and six real ciders to tempt regulars, locals and passers-by alike.

Clive Davies, an employee of the pub, said: “Everyone enjoyed a fantastic weekend celebrating St Patrick’s Day and watching the Six Nation’s rugby. The less said about the England result the better, but a couple of Irish regulars seemed to have a smile on their face!

“The pub would like to thank everyone involved for all the continued support they received from customers, locals and businesses over the years and going forward.

“The feedback was fantastic with some amazing beers including a bright green ale at the mini beer festival with everyone enjoying their visit and even taking a couple of pints home with them.”

The Crossways Inn, Churt is open Monday to Thursday 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 11am, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday 12 noon to 4pm and 7pm to 10.30pm. Traditional pub food is served from 12 noon to 2pm Monday to Saturday plus 6pm to 9pm every Wednesday.