Derbyshire firm Wildgoose Construction has started work on a new pub and family dining facility in Derby as part of a two-year deal with brewer and pub operator Marston's.

The Ashover-based firm has begun preparation work on site in Raynesway in the city and the pub, to be called the Blue Jay, is due to be finished in the late summer of 2011.

It is hoped that the Derby pub will create between 50 and 70 full and part-time jobs and become the main eatery for the 180-acre commercial park.

Wildgoose is one of three contractors which have been selected to build 60 new pubs for Marston's by the end of 2012.

The Derbyshire construction company is currently on site with a similar development at Northwich in Cheshire and has just completed the Golden Eagle public house in Mansfield, both for Marston's.

Wildgoose is also assessing the suitability of several other sites as part of the deal.

Tim Walker, Wildgoose Construction's managing director, said the firm was thrilled to be working with Marston's.

He said: "Wildgoose has a long history of work in the licensed retail sector having completed numerous contracts for other companies, but this is the first time we have worked for Marston's on new build contracts. 

"It is fantastic to be working with such a company and brand and we anticipate that after the first three builds we can go on to complete further pubs as part of this deal.

"It is great news for us to be working with such a forward thinking company which is bucking the current trend of pub closures and investing in these exciting new venues across the country."