AN INSPIRED community group have successfully purchased a village pub once threatened with closure.

The Gun Inn pub in Ridsdale was put up for sale last year, and residents feared it could turn into a private house.

But the 'Pub on a Thread’ project was set up by the Ridsdale Community Group which campaigned to raise £200,000 to secure the future of the pub as a community hub.

And earlier this week, the group announced it had successfully completed the purchase of the pub after raising near to £240,000.

"Everyone is delighted that we have been able to complete the purchase and looking forward to getting it open," said John Bassett of the Ridsdale Community Group.

Over the last 30 years Ridsdale has lost its post office, shop and village hall, and residents campaigned to keep the pub which had become the last amenity in the village.

Regeneration work continues despite the coronavirus pandemic and the group is already planning essential maintenance.

A three-phased project plan includes improvement work on the toilets, kitchen and other interior work including extending the bar.

John added: "We are looking to see if we can now temporarily serve food on-the-go, which will get people use to the community pub.

"We will also host a competition for people of all ages to design a new logo for The Gun Inn."

The project to purchase the pub received the backing of local and national crime writers, who shared their support for the campaign on social media.

"We didn't knowing anything about the pub's uncertainty until June last year," John said.

"We are indebted to all the people who have supported us the recognition was a tremendous boost."