BRITAIN’S biggest pub chain will open its doors in Deeside this week.

JD Wetherspoon has spent £1.1 million converting the former The Central Hotel in Shotton and will unveil the refit to punters on Friday.

More than 40 jobs have been created at the three-storey building on Chester Road West and manager Nel Price, from Buckley, will be taking care of business.

She told the Leader: “I started behind the bar at the Wetherspoon’s in Mold and have worked my way up.

“I’m really excited about Friday. I am looking forward to welcoming customers in to the pub and am confident that it will be a good addition to Shotton’s social scene.”

The new-look pub will retain the name The Central Hotel.

Photographs and information boards detailing the history and characters of the area will be displayed in the pub.

Shotton councillor Ann Minshull will get an exclusive preview of the pub on Thursday along with other community leaders.

She said: “They have worked so hard and I’m really excited. It is providing local jobs for local people and will be a real asset to Shotton.

“When people came out of the train station before, all they saw was a dirty old pub. Now it is spectacular. It is a lovely building that has been brought back to life.”

JD Wetherspoon is still recruiting cleaners for the pub. For an application visit the pub or www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk.