A picture posted by the builders of Arkell’s first new pub in 20 years shows shows the hostelry taking shape.

The snap of the Strawberry Thief, under a dramatic pink sky, was taken by Edmont Joinery and posted onto their social media offered a glimpse of what the new pub is going to look like - at least when it’s not covered in scaffolding.

The Stratton-based brewery has invested more than £3m into the latest addition to the Tadpole Garden Village, which is expected to be completed this year.

It will overlook the village green and cricket pavilion.

When work started in June last year, George Arkell said: “We have been planning this for years, ever since we first heard about the Tadpole Garden Village, and have seen the community grow and grow.

“It has been a long and very challenging year for us all and it is fabulous for us to be able to look forwards not backwards.

"People might say ‘are you mad, why are you building a pub in a pandemic?’ but it’s all about supporting our town, Swindon.”

This will be the fourth public house that Edmont has worked on for Arkell's over the years, including the Tawny Owl over 20 years ago.