A PUB dating back to the 17th Century has been taken over by a Cumbrian brewery.

The Pack Horse Inn, Tanfield Village, is reputed to have been visited by Oliver Cromwell.

According to folklore, one of his Roundhead soldiers was killed in what is now the pub's car park and is buried in the village churchyard.

The Pack Horse has been acquired by Jennings Brewery and will be leased and operated under the new divisional name of InnVentures.

Peter Kennedy, Pack Horse tenant for the past year, who comes from nearby Tanfield Lea, will become the lessee.

Brian Naylor, business development manager for Jennings, said: "Jennings has an ongoing acquisition programme across the whole of the North of England and this is another example of our commitment to purchasing first class pubs."