Villagers in two North Yorkshire communities are celebrating a step forward in their fight to save a much-loved pub.

The doors of the Old Horn in Spennithorne have been closed since September last year.

A community group set up by villagers in Spennithorne and neighbouring Harmby has now bought the pub, with the help of funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

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The Old Horn Community Pub Society Ltd took possession of the building this week and is now looking for tenants to take over the running of the pub, and builders who will be given the task of renovation and repair where necessary.

It's hoped that the pub will open before the end of the year.

Campaign chairman, Richard Wortley, said: “It’s difficult to believe that the two villages have managed to achieve this fantastic result in the space of less than six months.

“Our share offer only went live shortly before Christmas.

"To have raised £180,000 from shareholders – mainly local people, but with some supporters from all over the country - and then to win in the competitive process for match-funding from the Government is something we hardly dared hoped for.

“It just shows what can be achieved when communities like ours pull together for the common good.”

The Society is in the process of inviting quotes from builders for the renovation work; and people with an interest in running the pub on the communities’ behalf are being encouraged to apply for the tenancy.

Mr Wortley added: “We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced people who are up for providing a warm and welcoming focal point for Spennithorne and Harmby – a place everyone in our villages, young or old, will want to visit.

“The renovations will create a pub which is bright and friendly, and at the same time will retain all the features of a traditional Yorkshire Dales inn.

"There will be excellent locally-brewed beers, fine locally-sourced food, and for visitors to the Dales, two ensuite double bedrooms with magnificent views over the valley. It will be a real community hub.”

Anyone interested in being considered for the tenancy should contact oldhorninnrecruitment@gmail.com.