ONE of the region's most historic pubs is in the process of being sold.

Enterprise Inns confirmed last night that it was selling The Ship Inn, in Guisborough, east Cleveland, but said it could not promise that it would remain a pub.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how worried customers were handing a 300-name petition to the company in an effort to keep the threatened bar open.

Drinkers had been told Enterprise Inns were contemplating selling the pub, which is documented as serving beer as far back as 1812, and feared the new owners would turn the Westgate property into a house.

Tenants Richard and Jean Storey, who have had the pub for more than four years, said they had no idea what was happening, but wanted to stay.

But last night, a spokeswoman for the company said: "Enterprise Inns can confirm that it is in the process of selling The Ship Inn pub, in Guisborough, as a going concern.

"Enterprise Inns cannot comment on its future use, as this is a matter for the prospective purchasers once the sale has been completed."

She declined to say who the buyer was, or what their plans were.

Mrs Storey said they were still in the dark over the plans.

She said: "It's news to us. We are very surprised because no one has told us anything. We had somebody else come to look at the property today.

"I will phone Enterprise tomorrow to find out what is happening."

And pub regular and former Redcar and Cleveland councillor David Walsh said: "Despite all the promises I was given that this matter was under review, they have obviously rushed it through behind closed doors.

"The good news is that it's being sold as a going concern and will, for the time being, remain open as a pub.

"We hope the new owner will reveal himself soon, so we can meet him and find out what his plans are."