CHEERS: Manger Julie Dear with her family, husband Kevin and children James and Craig.

A SOUTHAMPTON pub has risen from the ashes exactly a year after it was destroyed in an arson attack.

The Old Thatched House pub is due to open its doors to the public again today after a £400,000 refit and its trademark thatched roof firmly back in place.

Landlady Julia Dear, her husband Kevin, and their two children were forced to flee the burning pub last May after arsonists set fire to its thatched roof.

The pub area of the listed building, in Romsey Road, was totally gutted along with the family's living quarters.

But now a year to the day after the attack, hard work and a painstaking restoration operation has seen the pub returned to its former glory - ready once more to welcome drinkers and diners in to sample its wares.

Many of the original features have been retained with traditional soft furnishings and dcor recreating the homely atmosphere the pub is renowned for.

The public bar, which suffered the worst damage in the blaze, is set to be a hive of activity again boasting a new pool table and TV.

Julia, who has managed the pub for the last seven years, is delighted to be back behind its bar. "We were all shocked and saddened when the fire happened last year and it was dev-astating to see the building in such a state.

"It has taken a long time and has been hard work but we are pleased with what we have achieved. We are now looking forward to opening again. I've spoken to a lot of customers recently who say they are pleased that we're going to be up and running again. Quite a few of the regulars have stopped by and popped their heads round the door."

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