Star Pubs has announced a £375,000 refurbishment plan for a Netherton pub once a new tenant is found.

It says it plans to carry out a full internal and external refurbishment of the Old Swan in Halesowen Road. No date for the work has been announced.

The pub is known locally as Ma or Mrs Pardoe's and is one of the Dudley and South Staffordshire branch's current Good Beer Guide entries.

It was one of only four surviving brew pubs when CAMRA was formed in 1971. It was run by Doris Pardoe 50 years until her death 42 years ago

Star says it will modernise the pub - a Grade II listed building that dates from 1863 - but retain its historic character.

It is looking for a new tenant for the pub which is currently run by Tim Newey who is intending to retire in the new year.

The Old Swan was shut for nine months before he took on the tenancy 26 years ago.

It is now available on an investment tenancy agreement.

Star wants to make it a refreshed community pub with a broader appeal beyond its existing wet-led, mature customer base.

It is not clear what will happen to the brewery. Pardoe's Ales include Bumblehole Bitter, Ma Pardoe's Original and Netherton Pale Ale.

The refurbishment would include new external signage and improved private accommodation.

Original character features would be retained to preserve the cosy atmosphere, while the drinks offer would be broadened beyond its current heavy focus on own-brewed cask ale. The operator would then have the opportunity to develop a quality beer and cider range alongside a varied calendar of live sport, live music and community events.

The famous vitreous enamel Swan in the ceiling of the front bar would be preserved.

The Old Swan holds a three-star rating on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.