THE Helwith Bridge Inn at Helwith Bridge, near Horton-in-Ribblesdale, has been sold following the retirement of owners Paul and Carol Stott.

Mr and Mrs Stott, who have run the pub for ten years, said: “It is with a sad heart that we have to let you all know that we have sold the pub. We have decided to retire after over ten years of wonderful times.

"We would like to wish the new owners all our best for the future, and we hope that you will continue to support them as you have done us and thank Alex from Christie & Co for his hard work on getting the sale completed.”

The sale of the pub, which is next to the River Ribble and close to a footpath leading to Penyghent, was handled by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.

The Helwith Bridge Inn has been purchased by experienced operators and business partners, Raaj Fatania and Dean Dodd, who recently sold their pub in the Midlands to move to Yorkshire.

They said: “We are delighted to be taking over the Helwith Bridge Inn from Paul and Carol. We strive to continue the great traditions of this wonderful pub and make it our home. The pub is open and trading right away, so we hope to see everyone there very soon.”

Alex Rex, senior business agent at Christie & Co and who handled the sale, added: “It's an honour and a privilege to have been trusted with the sale of Paul and Carol's business in Helwith Bridge.

"This one felt special, and it's wonderful that Raaj and Dean are the people to take over this local pub. They will do a great job and they are the perfect fit to carry on the fantastic work done by the previous owners.”