DUDLEY South MP Mike Wood poured a pint and raised a glass to celebrate the re-opening of a landmark Kingswinford pub.

The Cross Inn opened its doors this morning (Monday August 3) following a £2.57million revamp by pub chain JD Wetherspoon which took on the Grade II listed pub building, which had been lying empty for around two years, last autumn.

Conservative MP Mike Wood was one of the first visitors to the new look inn, situated on the corner of the High Street and Moss Grove, and to get things started he was drafted in to help pull a pint.

Mr Wood, a keen champion of pubs and chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: "It's lovely. You only have to see how much Wetherspoons has invested in it; it's a real sign of confidence in the local community and good for local jobs. It was a big blow to Kingswinford when The Cross closed its doors. It's fantastic to see it re-opened and looking to good."

Dudley News:

Seventy new jobs have been created with the opening of the pub which specialises in real ales, craft and world beers and serves food every day.

Inside - the venue has been given a fresh look and decked out with historical photo and artwork of local scenes and characters; and outside there are extensive gardens to the sides and back - with a separate designated outdoor area for smoking.

The pub's opening hours are: 8am until midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and 8am until 1am - Friday and Saturday.