The landlords of a popular and award-winning pub have announced that they have handed their keys back to the venue after posting an emotional farewell online.

Mark and Michelle Firby say they have taken the decision, due to rising costs, to step aside from their roles running The George and Dragon in Hudswell.

The current tenants took over last year following the departure of previous landlord Stuart Miller.

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However, in a post on The George and Dragon social media page, the couple confirm they will be leaving the pub - citing 'ever increasing costs.

The post reads: "It is with great sadness that we are posting this today but we have been forced to come to the decision to cease trading as Tennant Landlords of the George and Dragon.

"We were completely committed and passionate about keeping the doors open every day since starting to trade, however, ever increasing costs, electricity and VAT repayments have put incredible pressure on us."

They go on to say that they "simply cannot continue," while adding: "We are devastated by this, having worked tirelessly and given our absolute all over the last twelve months."

The post concludes: "We pass on our sincere apologies to the shareholders of this wonderful community pub, so many of whom have been fantastic in their support to us."

The landlords will cease running the pub from August 31, with the management company confirming that the community will either run the venue, or the pub will undergo a period of closure while they find a new person to run it.