A CHESHIRE West pub that was forced to cancel Christmas bookings after suffering 21 burst pipes is working ‘round the clock’ to re-open by December 23.

The Red Lion on Wharton Lane, Winsford, which has been closed since Saturday, December 17, took to Facebook to thank customers for their support and understanding during a difficult time.

A spokesperson for the pub, posting on its Facebook page, said: “Firstly, thank you to everyone for being so supportive and understanding.

“We know this isn’t the most convenient time of year to have 21 burst pipes at The Red Lion which results to flooding and having to cancels numerous festive bookings.

“We have a team of workmen working around the clock now to get The Red Lion back up and running for Friday.

“The ceiling is down and carpets being ripped up and new ones laid.

“We have dehumidifiers, heat lamps, new electrics being fitted, everything to make sure we can re-open Friday!

"It is devastating, but we will get The Red Lion back up and running!"