HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds will be spent on renovating a village pub.

Greene King closed The Astronomer Hungry Horse in Avenue East, Great Notley, on Monday as work began on giving the public house a new-look.

The watering hole, which was known as the Branocs Tree, has been renamed to pay homage to James Challis - an astronomer from Braintree best remembered for his role in the discovery of Neptune, in 1846.

The refurbishment will see new tiling and a modern finish added to furniture.

Plans are also in place to extend the beer garden and add outdoor lighting.

Greene King says the renovation will create five new jobs.

The pubs general manager Jerry Milward said: "The Astronomer Hungry Horse is at the heart of the local community, so we want to provide our guests with even better surroundings in which to enjoy a great selection of inviting menu options throughout the year.

"We’re really excited to get the refurbishment underway, and look forward to welcoming our Braintree neighbours to the revamped venue when it officially opens on Friday 11 October.

"The weekend is also set to be big, with a series of opening tasters and activities which will kick off the festivities from Friday. We’d like to invite everyone to come and celebrate with us."

The new-look pub will offer a range of great value food and drinks deals for locals to enjoy throughout the week, including bottles of El Mazo wine for £5 on Wednesdays, and ‘Treat the Family’ bundles for £17, available on Saturday and Sunday. Guests can choose from the Pub Faves menu, Chicken Bucket Deal or Pizza Deal, all of which come with the Ultimate Big Candymania to share.