The Blue Anchor looks virtually as it did 10 months ago Click here to see the state of the pub just after the fire

Just a shell was left of the Blue Anchor pub in East Aberthaw, near Llantwit Major, south Wales, after the blaze in February 2004.

But traditional methods and materials have been used to return the 600-year-old building to its former glory.

Mr Coleman said that the transformation of the pub had been "emotional".

Nearly 30 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started on the morning of February 20.

The worst part was watching it burn from when it was a little flame Landlord Jeremy Coleman

The alarm was raised by two boys who were passing the pub and saw flames coming from the thatched roof.

Jeremy Coleman is pulling his first pints for 10 months

A strong wind and a lack of quick access to water hydrants meant the fire was able to take hold and destroy the roof and one kitchen, although the pub's restaurant survived.

"The worst part was watching it burn from when it was a little flame to progressing across the roof and go window to window," said Mr Coleman.

"It's quite emotional to see it now compared to eight or 10 months ago. It was absolutely awful."

Expert craftsmen were brought into breathe life back into the 600-year-old building, including specialist carpenters who helped renovate Windsor Castle after a fire in 1992.

Although the painstaking work has taken many months to complete, the last few days have been the most hectic.

The pub before it was damaged

"In the last four days the carpets have gone down, floors have been laid and we've had a new kitchen," said Mr Coleman, whose family has run the Blue Anchor since 1941.

"There have been carpenters, people tarmacking, electricians, bar staff learning the new tills. There must have been 30 people working here.