A village pub saved by the community is reopening this weekend for the first time in two years with a big celebration. 

The Samson Inn in Gilsland closed in October 2022, leaving the village with just one pub.

It was then revived by the 'Save Our Samson' campaign, which gathered 465 shareholders, raising more than £150,000 through shares, donations, and event sponsorship.

There was also a grant exceeding £215,000 from the Community Ownership Fund, previously part of the Department of Levelling Up, to help the group over the finish line. 

Since its purchase, the Gilsland Community Benefit Society Limited (GCBSL) has brought in more than 50 volunteers to refurbish the venue, with the exterior of the building given a fresh lick of paint by Dave Berry. 

George Campbell was also announced as the new tenant for the pub in September. 

Speaking previously, he said: "It's such an exciting opportunity to be moving into the village and re-opening the pub after you have all worked so hard to buy The Samson Inn for the community.

 The Samson Inn and GCBSL have also been nominated for Plunkett’s Rural Community Business Awards. 

They have been shortlisted as a finalist in the category of the One To Watch award and invited to the awards ceremony today (October 23) in London.

The reopening celebrations will culminate in a special "Big Thank You" event this Saturday.

With nearly 100 shareholders expected to attend, the public is being invited to come and celebrate the pub's reopening.