A DARLINGTON pub, closed for refurbishment, is due to re-open next week, creating 30 jobs.

The Springfield, in Salters Lane South, was shut by owners Wolverhampton and Dudley for a £300,000 refurbishment at the end of last year.

Management team Barry and Wendy Robinson have spent the past three months recruiting 30 full and part-time staff, who are now undergoing an intensive two-week training course.

Mr Robinson said: "We're looking forward to opening The Springfield again. We have missed our customers and it will be great to be busy."