A NORTH YORKSHIRE pub is tripling its workforce following a major refurbishment.

The Smith's Arms at Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, is reopening at the end of this month, and creating 18 new jobs in the process.

It will now have 25 staff, who will all be put through an intensive two-week training course by landlords Richard and Susan Hudson. During their training the staff will have the arduous task of sampling every meal and wine on the menu, thus ensuring they are well equipped to help customers with their choices.

The kitchens have been fitted with the very latest equipment with the aim of making the pub one of the best eating venues in the area.