CUSTOMERS were today raising their glasses to toast the reopening of the Albert pub in Huddersfield town centre.

And it doesn't look much different - despite fears that historic fittings would be destroyed.

New management at the Victoria Lane pub are serving pints for the first time since the pub closed suddenly in January.

Licensee Madge Woodcock and her partner, Jim King, have spent the last month cleaning the pub from top to bottom, in preparation for the grand reopening.

They are no strangers to the trade. They also run the Railway pub at Berry Brow and Ms Woodcock has spent 30 years in the business.

The couple say they are looking forward to the challenge.

Mr King said: "We expect to be busy as this is a popular pub. But we are looking forward to bringing the place to life again.

"We haven't added or taken any features of the pub away. We have just spruced the place up a bit to return it to its former glory; the Albert pub has finally risen again."

To restore the traditional Victorian feel of the pub pictures of Huddersfield Victorian scenes have been put up, adorning much of the wall-space.

The impressive bar front has been cleaned up and new beer pumps have been installed. The cellar has also been re-fitted.

The couple say they have many plans for the pub in the coming months.

Mr King said: "We are planning a varied entertainment programme and food menu to suit the tastes of all our punters.

"We have lots of rooms that we plan to bring to life as both dining areas and entertainment venues.

"We have lots of fresh ideas to encourage new people in. But we will keep the traditional values of the pub alive, so that regulars can continue to enjoy it.

"It is a beautiful old building, with a lot of history and it will be nice to use it to its full potential."

The couple plan to offer a varied live music programme that will include jazz and blues. There will also be a quiz night.

They have an ambitious food menu planned and want to set up new features, including a continental breakfast and coffee bar and a grill room.

They promise the pub will be a `drinkers' paradise', and will serve eight varieties of beer.