A WINSFORD pub has opened for business 4,000 miles from home in Rio.

Local landlord, Ernie Welch, has touched down in Brazil after winning the McCoy’s Rio Local contest in April.

His Swanlow Lane boozer, The Old Star, has been rebuilt on Copacabana Beach for the World Cup finals – ensuring Brits abroad can get a proper pint while watching the Three Lions in action.

“We had a fantastic day yesterday,” said Ernie.

“I officially opened the Old Star in Rio and then sat down to a champagne reception. We watched the opening ceremony followed by the first game.

"To be sat in a Rio watching the host nation among all their magical fans was an experience that I cannot put into words. The best way to describe it was ‘phenomenal’."

After watching the Selecao triumph 3-1 in a controversial World Cup opener against Croatia on Thursday, Ernie said he was looking forward to watching England take on Italy in their opening group match on Saturday.

His Brazil trip followed victory in a nationwide competition to find Britain’s best pub.

The Old Star made it to the top five in the land, before the Pub Landlord, Al Murray, gave Ernie the nod to get on the plane to Brazil.

Rio’s Old Star 2.0 features all the traditional British comforts of its Winsford cousin – including the wooden horse head pub sign, traditional fireplace, colourful pool table area, darts board and distinctive wooden bar, plus all the gear from their regular quiz, disco and karaoke nights.

Back home, the original Old Star has already started its famous World Cup celebrations – screening games and hoisting the flags of each nation involved in the greatest competition on earth.

News of Winsford’s representation at the finals is set to reach even further, when Ernie appears on Radio Five Live this afternoon at 5pm.