IT'S been an institution in Cowes for as long as most people can remember.

The Painters Arms has been a popular watering hole in the yachting mecca for locals and visiting sailors alike.

Now however, the town centre pub has had a major makeover after being taken over by two enterprising women.

The pub officially re-opened last Friday after a complete refurbishment which has transformed it into a sports bar.

Gone are the out-of date toilets and the previously shabby interior decor.

The pub's garden has also been revamped.

Joint tenants, Lorraine Gulliver and Gail Jennings, met while they were working at the Cowes Combined Services Club in the town's high street.

Lorraine had worked as a bar manager at the club for 11 years and her business partner Gail worked as a secretary there for the past year.

They decided to go into partnership and take over the business when it came up for sale in August.

Lorraine said: "We have turned it into a sports bar. The entire pub has been refurbished. I don't think any money had been spent on the place for the past 20 years.

"Everybody is welcome along. We are both family and dog friendly."

She added: "We were asked if we wanted to change the name but we thought we did not think so as the locals would not want us to."