A PUB that was shut down amid warnings from police is reopening this week following a change of management and a massive revamp.

The Aviator in Yeadon had its licence suspended on the instigation of police following two violent brawls in six weeks and fears that any further fights could prove fatal.

The violence happened less than a year after a man died when he was felled with a single punch outside the pub where he and the man who hit him had both been drinking.

But now the venue has had a complete rebrand and its new managers are hoping its violent image will be a thing of the past.

Now renamed The Yard, the premises has undergone a major refurbishment with the aim of attracting families.

New joint owner, Mike McVey, said the pub had been given a complete rebrand and will be food and family-oriented.

About £180,000 has been spent on decorating and refurbishing the pub, which has also been fitted with a wood-burning pizza oven.

The Yard will be managed by Graham and Barbara Yellow, who previously managed The Swan, and who recently won Channel 4's Four In A Bed competition.

Mr McVey said all the staff are also new.

He stressed he had been working with the police to transform the pub, which will have a VIP launch event today. It will open to the public tomorrow.

"I understand it has got a bad reputation," he said. "But it can't just stand there. We have reduced the hours of opening and there will be no live DJs. We will be making the beer prices higher and lowering the food prices."

Mr McVey and his partner, Chris Howlett, took over the lease about five weeks ago.

The Aviator was shut down in February and its licence was suspended pending the outcome of a review. Police took action after a fight on February 6, which left four men injured after glasses were used as weapons and people had their heads repeatedly stamped on.

Another brawl in the early hours of New Year's Day had involved up to 20 people.