The Volunteer to close for major refurbishment

One of Sale's historic pubs is set to close temporarily as it prepares to undergo a major refurbishment.

The Volunteer, on Cross Street, will close from Monday 27 July until late August while the Joseph Holt pub is given what its team has described as a "rather large facelift".

Scaffolding has already appeared around the building, signalling to passers-by that significant work is on the way.

Announcing the closure on social media, the pub team said: "Our community pub is getting a rather large facelift. Our doors will close temporarily this Sunday coming until late August.

"We are all very excited for the changes and cannot wait to welcome you all back, old and new, when our doors fly open again. Keep an eye on our socials for updates on what to expect."

The refurbishment marks the latest chapter in the long history of the pub, whose current building was constructed in 1897 and opened for business the following year.

It replaced an earlier inn and cottage on the site and was designed by architect James Diggle Mould. The original inn is believed to have been renamed The Volunteer sometime between 1807 and 1827, possibly as a tribute to the local defence unit known as the Ashton-on-Mersey Sale Loyal Volunteers.