RESIDENTS of Grewelthorpe were jubilant this week after a successful campaign to save the village pub.

Locals have been concerned at regulars leaving the Crown to drink and eat elsewhere since new owner Jennings Brewery took it over last December, and were worried that the reduction in custom might result in the pub's closure.

Under the previous landlady, it had been a popular watering and eating hole.

The village, which has a population of 300, mounted a campaign by sending lettters, holding a public meeting and invited the brewery to send a representative to discuss the fears.

Business development manager Brian Naylor attended a meeting last week to hear residents' views and returned this Wednesday.

Cheers went up when residents were told new management would be brought in.

Resident Sue Hurley said: "This is what we wanted. We are surprised but very pleased that the brewery has acted so quickly and listened to our views. No-one expected them to take action so quickly.

"The pub is the hub of village life and we didn't want to lose it."

A spokesman for Jennings said: "It is not our intention to take over a pub and let it get run down. We hope to be able to improve things in the near future."