A NEW restaurant has opened at the site of a former pub in a Tyne Valley town.

Oli and Joes Italian Restaurant opened in Prudhoe on Saturday, bringing a new lease of life to the former Fox and Hounds pub.

Hexham Courant:

The pub on South Road closed on February 28, after the brewery that owned the building sold it.

The restaurant is the latest in a chain of restaurants across Tyneside, with four other outlets already in operation.

The Prudhoe branch opened its doors to customers for the first time on Friday, October 16.

Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: "I am delighted to welcome this local company into Prudhoe.

"It shows confidence in the town and creates employment opportunities.

"I would urge people to shop local particularly in these difficult times."

Read more in the Hexham Courant.