IT could be the giant images hanging on the wall of Spitfires roaring across the skies or the vintage photos of flat-capped engineers working away at the nearby rail yard.

But whatever it is about the Chamberlayne Arms, this friendly watering hole seems to sum up what it is like to live in and around Eastleigh.

The pub, thought to be one of the oldest in the area dating back 125 years, has just undergone a major £100,000 refurbishment, making the interior a lot lighter and considerably improving the decor.

But landlords Darran Proctor and Debbie Retallack have made sure suitable homage has been paid to Eastleigh’s industrial heritage. And crucially the people who have long made it their local seem to appreciate the changes.

The food is served up in hearty, good value portions, there is a large pub garden and the staff are welcoming and chatty.

The pub, tucked behind the Swan Centre shopping mall, is home to a golf team and is also a popular haunt for the town’s rugby players.

Live sport is played out on flat screens and charity fundraising events are becoming a regular occurrence.

The doors will be open on Christmas Day and a festive family day is taking place on December 19 with a Santa’s grotto and entertainment.

Darran, who moved in to the pub two years ago, said: “The whole place was a bit unloved and run down when we arrived.

“But now we have had this fantastic refurbishment, it is like a new toy to play with.

“The locals are still here and they don’t seem to be going anywhere.”