A POPULAR village pub has announced its temporary closure after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19. 

Black Horse, in Ingleton, confirmed the news on social media on Friday. 

The pub, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, is ranked among the top ten per cent of restaurants in the world on Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Awards.

Announcing the closure, a statement from owner Anth Tillbrook read: "This morning I received confirmation via a PCR test that I have tested positive for Covid-19. 

"All the team that were working with me on Wednesday must now self isolate until next Saturday. 

"Unfortunately this means we are having to close the business from today and will not reopen until next Saturday 10th July. 

Read more: Pub near Darlington rated one of world's best on TripAdvisor

"We will try to contact everyone that is booked individually but if we miss anyone we apologise in advance. So if you can share this post hopefully we will get to everyone. 

"Once again I apologise for any inconvenience. The last thing we want is to close but we have to follow the guidelines set. 

"So please, all of you stay safe and I’ll see you next week!"

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