Football is coming home: to an Alton pub at least as a popular watering hole in the town centre has been given a makeover just in time for the Euros.

Gareth Southgate was among the guests when the ribbon to the new-look White Horse was cut last Wednesday by town mayoress, Cllr Annette Eyre.

Even the cardboard cut-out of the England manager would agree that football fans are well catered for at the historic High Street pub.

There’s plenty of viewing opportunities inside while the courtyard boasts two big screens, plenty of benches and a shed that’s been converted into a bar.

The interior refit by landlords Craft Union has been sympathetic as the bar’s wooden flooring has been buffed and varnished while the beams have been untouched.

There’s new lighting and carpeting in the snug and its surrounds while the now family-friendly pub – children are being allowed in for the first time - feels brighter and more welcoming following its 16-day refit.

Around 20 guests and customers attended the relaunch with Cllr Eyre pouring the first pint of lager to thirsty punters while the town crier gave the pub a ringing endorsement.

Landlady Amber Button is thrilled with the new-look White Horse with the hostelry re-opening just in time for the Euros kick-off two days later.

She said: “When the designers were asking me what I wanted I said ‘I don’t want a facelift, just inject some collagen into the place’ and that’s exactly what they’ve done and I’m so pleased with it.”