DRINKERS have just over two months to wait until the re-opening of their local pub.

The new owners of the White Horse Hotel, in Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, have announced the pub will re-open on December 11.

Sizzling Pub Co, part of the Mitchells & Butlers chain, bought the pub, which faced demolition only a few months ago.

Plans were submitted two years ago to knock down the pub and convert it into 55 apartments.

A campaign group, Save the White Horse Hotel, tried to prevent the pub from closing. It held a referendum in the area, when 98 per cent of people voted to keep the pub.

But councillors approved the plans in November 2005. Last September, the pub pulled its last pints. Earlier this year, the pub was given a shock reprieve when site owner Jay Patel sold it to Mitchells & Butlers.

The company has invested a "very significant sum" to give the pub a facelift.

Yesterday, it confirmed the pub would reopen before Christmas.

The firm has transformed the pub with modern decor.

New manager Stan McKeith, who will be taking over behind the bar, said: "The pub has a prominent place at the heart of the community and, despite being closed for such a long time, it has remained a real talking point.

"Understandably, we can all feel a bit cautious when it comes to change, but the new-look White Horse is still very much your local pub."

The pub is looking for new workers to join its team. For more details, contact Mr McKeith on 07514-959045.