The pub saved from closure by determined residents will have a grand re-opening next month.

The Lowther Arms in the tiny village of Mawbray will be opened on Saturday, June 26, two-and-a-half years after it shut down after residents succeeded in raising the £250,000 needed to buy the pub.

Chris Atkinson, chairman of the Lowther Ar,ms Community Project said: “The re-opening of the Lowther Arms is going to be a very special occasion and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone on the day. All are invited to come and join us as we celebrate saving our village pub for future generations.”

The LACP is a co-operative, and members believe the Lowther Arms also the country’s first coastal community pub.

“ It will mean a great deal to the village, the community and the pub’s supporters to see it trading again.”

Shareholders and supporters are already making plans to be there, and it is thanks to the magnificent and selfless efforts of all the trades and volunteers, and help of organisations like Co-operatives UK, the Plunkett Foundation’s ‘More Than A Pub’ programme and social lenders like Key Fund that buying and re-opening the pub has been possible.

Mr Atkinson thanked all those involved in a facelift of the external walls which have been painted blue to reflect the proximity of the sea.

“ Special thanks go to those who have worked tirelessly to paint the pub, restore the grounds, prepare the site for new services, create the design scheme which inspired the makeover, and supported the project in other ways. Thanks also go to local publicans Charles and Ainsley at the Grey Goat at Baggrow for their practical help and support."

For more information go to: www.thelowtherarms.co.uk .. For sponsorship queries, contact Vivienne Coleman on 01900 881441. Also visit the group Facebook page: @lowtherarmscommunityproject