BREWING giant Heineken has announced plans create 1,000 new jobs as part of plans to update and reopen dozens of pubs.

It has committed £40 million to expanding its Star Pubs operation, which runs 2,400 venues nationwide. More than 600 venues are set to receive investment over the next year, with work already started or completed to reopen 10 pubs so far this year.

The initiative follows the reopening of 62 previously closed pubs last year.