A PUB that was catastrophically damaged by floods four years ago is undergoing refurbishment.

The Bridge End Inn in Ovingham weathered the elements for three centuries, but was closed for business in the wake of Storm Desmond.

The storm devastated much of the Tyne Valley and saw the historic pub, which stands on the banks of Whittle Burn, swamped under four feet of flood water.

The pub has stood empty since the Desmond hit in December 2015.

It was put on the market by then landlords, the Outterside family, who had owned the pub since 1975, but it failed to attract a buyer.

Residents of the village, determined to save the pub, formed the Bridge End Community Group with a view to purchase the pub and reopen it as a “community co-operative”.

However, in June 2016 it was revealed that the pub had been purchased by a mystery buyer with the aim of re-opening it as a pub.

While it looked like the pub may reopen, there was another twist after plans to refurbish and extend the pub were withdrawn in May 2017, due to local opposition to plans for a larger seating area and balcony.

Now, however, it looks like the long-closed pub may finally reopen.

Cramlington-based construction company the Sands Group are currently working to restore the pub to its former glory.

A statement on the company’s website said the “beautiful building is being restored sympathetically back to its original origin”.

The company has been contacted for comment.