PUBS across the district have been left devastated by the news that they must close again in a bid to drive down coronavirus cases.

Saturday's announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson brought gloom and misery to the hospitality industry once again, with landlords and staff facing another month of closure.

The future of rural pubs in particular is uncertain - but Jordan Dodwell, who took over at the Greenhead Hotel in August, is positive his business can last the month.

He said: "It's not a great situation, but I'm a relatively positive person.

"We just have to get through it and get out the other side. We knew when we were taking over the hotel that this could happen.

"We've done well since opening.The support has been amazing.

"We've made some pennies, so there's enough to see us through a month - but after that it would start to worry me.

"There's nothing we can do, it's not like we can do takeaways because of where we are. so we're going to be closed fully."

The fact the announcement came on Saturday has allowed pubs to run their stock down and avoid the wastage of food and drink that was seen in March.

Pubs will also be allowed to serve takeaway food and alcohol.

But it's just a crumb of comfort for those whose livelihoods is once again being threatened.

Vanessa Crossley, who runs the Allendale Inn, called the decision to close the hospitality sector "devastating."

Only last week, the pub stepped up to offer support for hungry children during half term - but now she is faced with at least a month of no income.

She said: "We only opened in July, it feels like we've just reopened and we've done all the hard work to keep it socially distanced, we've followed all the guidance, and it's not enough.

"It's extremely devastating.There's not many cases in the area - as we know there's been a couple.

"We're having to go back onto universal credit. I can't open for takeaways because the menu isn't suitable for take out.

"We've been having some people in but people don't want to go out anymore with cases still rising.

"I think it's bad for everyone, not just us. It's just not fair.

"We're a place where people can come and have a coffee and a chat, it helps their mental health. People don't have anywhere to go anymore - all they can do is walk. That doesn't always help, especially in winter."