New-look Star Inn roars back to life at special launch party

* Well-wishers and friends raise a glass to the re-birth of the Star as town crier Chem roars out his specially-written tribute.

A bar full of well-wishers and friends raised a glass to the success of an old Llangollen pub that has a bright new future thanks to a major facelift exercise.

The historic Star Inn on Queen Street had been closed and derelict for some time until it was bought last year by former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil David Anderson whose company has spent many months totally renovating the building inside and and out.

His avowed aim was to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with the emphasis on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable. 

Things were going well until last month when an overnight break-in caused an estimated £20,000 worth of damage to various parts of the building just weeks away from the finishing line.

But repairs were made, the losses of stock made good and the work continued in time for last night (Friday's) soft re-opening party.  

Performing the official launch was Llangollen's town crier Chem in full costume who roared out his own specially-written tribute: "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez, today we celebrate a triumph of community spirit!

"They said this local pub was gone for good, but they underestimated the heart and resolve of David Anderson and his team. Where others saw closed doors, they saw a future! Through their passion, hard work, and  shared investment a beating heart of our community beats once more! 

"Where there was silence, let there now be laughter. Where the doors were shut, let them now be thrown wide open!

"This house is now officially returned to the people! It stands not merely as a place to pour a pint, but as a haven for friendship, a sanctuary for neighbours, and a proud hub for our entire community.

"Raise your glasses high to every single soul who made this dream a reality!

"I declare this community pub officially open!

"Long live our community! Long live The Star! Long live Llangollen!"

Indeed, many glasses were raised, the tape was cut and the Star officially came back to life, and tonight comes an even bigger party, with entertainment, to mark its re-birth.