Some 62 British pubs are to be reopened this year thanks to new investment.

Heineken has already reopened two of the beloved boozers under its Star Pubs operation after it invested £40m to bring them back from the dead.

The Dutch brewer said the cash injection into its Star Pubs operation will create more than 1,000 jobs.

And the money will also be used on "transforming tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals" as people commute less to city centres meaning some 612 pubs will benefit from the move.

Work will include "subtle zoning" work to cater for various customer activities, such as watching sport and dining.

The Dutch brewer said the cash injection into its Star Pubs operation will create more than 1,000 jobs.

Two pubs in Essex have already reopened after works costing £424,000 together, with another in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, set to relaunch later this month.

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs' managing director, said: "People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local.

"They want great surroundings and food and drink as well as activities that give them an extra reason to go out, such as sports screenings and entertainment.

"Creating fantastic locals that can accommodate a range of occasions meets this need and helps pubs fulfil their role as vital third spaces where communities can come together."