IT is the Wonston pub that has undergone a major transformation and is now booming.

The Wonston Arms, near Winchester is a hub of the community, and one local loves the watering hole even took matters into his own hands and saved it when it was under threat.

Matt Todd, who was a regular drinker at the pub couldn't stand the thought of the pub being turned into housing, so he stepped into the breach and a year on with help from the community believes that the pub's future is close to being secure.

The world of pulling pints and lifting barrels is a world away from his former job in telecommunications and sales and marketing, but it is one he thoroughly enjoys.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Immediately inside the pub which is in the heart of the village of Wonston, you're greeted by the friendly locals, and Matt's northern accent can be heard in the background as he talks to customers.

Matt said: “I have been in the village for 11 years and I was using it as a customer I knew it was going to close and turn into houses, and I did not want that to happen, I did not want the pub to be turned into another statistic.”

He says the best aspect of the pub is the community spirit, and added: “It is the people that make this pub, I am the key holder and look after the place but its them who make it.

Many of the pictures adorning the wall have a story to tell about village life, and there is even a framed tie on the wall, which was given to the pub by former football hard man Vinnie Jones.

Fans of real ale can enjoy up to four ales at any one time, but with a rotation of 30 ales which are changed constantly, punters never know what they'll be getting from week to week, and Martin is proud of that variety.

A pint of real ale costs £3.60 and a lager costs £3.70, there's also a range of wines and gins to choose from.

Sport fans are also well catered for as the pub's two televisions show both Sky Sports and BT Sport, drinkers can also enjoy the sunshine in the pub garden.