An Only Fools and Horses star pulled the first pint as his village pub reopened following a £200,000 refurbishment.

Patrick Murray, who played trilby-wearing Mickey Pearce, was joined by regular Inder Palkalsi to perform the honour at the opening of The Gardeners Arms in Higham.

Mr Murray then led the pub in an impromptu sing-along of 'There’s Only One Mickey Pearce!'

The investment was made by new tenant Mark Neale, a former customer, and pub owners Shepherd Neame and the brewery hopes it will give the village the high quality drinking and dining pub it deserves.

Mr Neale said: “It’s been a lot of hard work to get to where we are today, so thanks to the brewery, the staff and all our customers for their continued support.”

Jonathan Neame, Shepherd Neame chief executive, said: “I love pubs like this, places where you can have a conversation with people from all walks of life, with great beer and food. It’s a proper pub and long may it continue to flourish.”

The work included refurbishing the interior and two letting rooms, changes to the bar, upgrading the kitchen and external redecoration. The Gardeners also has a new food menu offering freshly cooked classic and modern dishes.

The reopening was also marked with the presentation of a cheque for £1,000 to Demelza, which provides hospice care for children.