Pub's beer keg Christmas Tree brings festive cheer

A pub landlord has devised a unique way to bring Christmas cheer to his community - a 13ft (4m) high Christmas Tree made of beer barrels.

A total of 52 firkin-size (72-pint) kegs have been placed as a tree outside The Griffin Inn, in Haslingden, east Lancashire.

"This is a family friendly pub and I wanted to do something for families and the community," said landlord Alejandro Romero, 37.

"We always do something different for Christmas and it has been very popular with our regulars and the local community," said Mr Romero, who took over the pub three years ago.

Cuban-born Mr Romero, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, said four people had worked on the tree - including himself, his girlfriend - who was responsible for the creative side of the project - and two regulars doing the lion's share of the heavy lifting.

"We have used empty barrels and put water in some to make them more secure," he said.

He added: "This for the public to bring them some joy at Christmas."

Judging by comments on social media, the tree is an instant success.

One poster said: "It looks fab," while another added: "Best decorated pub in Rossendale."

Yet another said: "It looks amazing at night - all the inside and outside Christmas decorations do."

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