FORTY years on, the Fountain Inn still knows how to have a wonderful Christmas time.

Four decades have passed since Sir Paul McCartney visited the country pub to film the music video for his festive Seventies hit.

But the plaque on the front of the inn in Ashurst, near Storrington, still proudly bears the musician’s name.

Now under the ownership of couple Alex Tipping, 42, and Lindsay Fergusson, 40, the 16th century pub is enjoying a new lease of life.

“Because we live above the pub, this place is basically our living room,” Lindsay said.

“So we treat it like a home. The fire’s burning in the front room every single day.

“Being a country pub is important to us. Ashurst is what Britain used to be.

“We all look out for each other.

“The whole village is so happy. I’ve never seen a fight here.”

Sir Paul is not the only celebrity to frequent the Fountain Inn.

Actor Laurence Olivier used to sit by the roaring fire in the pub’s front room.

More recent visitors include singer Adele, Olympian Sally Gunnell and Blackadder actor Tony Robinson.

But the real celebrities at the Fountain Inn are the ducks.

As well as having their own house in the pub grounds, they often waddle inside the Fountain Inn to greet the guests.

“Apricot’s my favourite,” said Lindsay.

“But there’s also Pitta, Usher and Daisy. Everyone knows them.”

Ever since taking over three years ago, Lindsay and Alex have tried to keep the pub traditional while introducing modern quirks.

“We’ve got a teepee for people who want to drink by the campfire,” Lindsay said.

“And there are funny signs in the car park a lot of people have noticed.

“We’ve even got a friendly ghost upstairs.”