WHILE most Brits will be hitting their locals to watch the footy this summer, the lucky landlord of Winsford’s Old Star will be watching it on the beach in Rio – all from the comfort of his own pub.

Ernie Welch’s Swanlow Lane boozer will be recreated a stone’s throw from Copacabana Beach for the duration of World Cup 2014, after beating more than 2,000 other nominated venues in the McCoy’s Rio Local competition.

The replica Old Star Inn will be constructed with all its much loved British comforts, 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.

“I can’t believe our pub has won the whole competition and we are getting to go to Rio,” said Ernie.

“I am so grateful to all our brilliant locals for taking time to vote and now we are looking forward to celebrating and thanking them in person at the pub quiz and we’ll announce the date soon.

“All of us who are going are so excited and we will be showing the locals in Rio some good old fashioned Old Star Inn hospitality.”

As well as Ernie, Christina Duffy, a Winsford local who nominated the pub in the competition, and eight locals, will be flown out to Brazil in June for the grand opening and to enjoy the action of the greatest game on Earth.

Christina said: “I am so pleased all our work to get people voting has paid off. Ernie is such a fantastic landlord and is really passionate about his pub and everyone who goes in it.

“He does so much for our local community, from charity bike rides to cooking a free Christmas dinner for elderly people who are on their own, to sponsoring local sports teams and of course the great hospitality he shows day in and day out at The Old Star.

Ernie’s daughter Kate ran a social media campaign, while friends and family called on relatives in Florida, Australia and Ireland – even going as far to set up a polling station-style booth –to get as many votes as they could to take home the title.

For all the other locals in Winsford there will be a chance to get involved in a very special Samba-themed pub quiz at The Old Star Inn, hosted by none other than comedian Al Murray, The Pub Landlord, who was on the official panel which crowned The Old Star Inn the winner.

The date of Al's pub quiz night will be confirmed in due course.

Keep checking winsfordguardian.co.uk for updates