A VILLAGE pub is up for sale.

The Black Bull in Wylam has hit the market as the owner Paul Bowes is retiring after 20 years. Paul runs the pub alongside Julie McPherson.

The Main Road pub is listed for sale on a freehold basis, with a guide price of £799,000.

The former grocers and abattoir, which has eight guest rooms, has been a mainstay in the village for over 100 years.

The popular pub won Pub of the Year for three years running in 2005, 2006 and 2007, as well as Best Village Pub and Best Freehouse of the North East.

Marslie McGregor, hospitality business agent at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, said: “The Black Bull Inn is a hugely successful business in an affluent pocket of Northumberland, within easy reach of the airport and the many tourist attractions throughout the region.

"Having recently undergone a refurbishment, this is a fantastic turnkey opportunity for either an existing operator looking to add to their portfolio or a first-time buyer to pick up a much-loved village pub.”