SHERSTON will have a pop up pub this weekend as work to repair the blaze-hit Rattlebone Inn continues.

Landlord Jason Read and manager Gavin Hunt are planning to open up the skittle alley tomorrow night and all day Saturday, two weeks after a fire destroyed a large section of the roof.

News of the temporary fix was greeted with enthusiasm by residents. The Rattlebone was the only pub open in the village after the closure of the Carpenters Arms last year.

The fire, thought to have been caused by an electrical fault, struck early on March 18 when Mr Hunt was asleep upstairs. He was alerted by the smoke alarm and got out safely.

Ten fire crews including Malmesbury and Tetbury were called out to save the pub and a special collection for the Fire Fighters Charity is planned in recognition of their efforts.

Mr Read is hoping to re-open in time for next month’s Badminton Horse Trials which is a major money spinner for the village.