GLASSES were raised as a village pub that was saved by the community celebrated its grand reopening. 

Residents and supporters toasted the success of the Save Our Samson campaign, a community initiative that brought Gilsland's Samson Inn back to life after its closure in 2022 over the weekend (October 26). 

The pub was one of only two in the village. 

The 'Save Our Samson' campaign brought with it 465 shareholders through the Gilsland Community Benefit Society Limited (GCBSL), 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. 

With the funds in hand, the pub was given a complete makeover with around 50 volunteers chipping in along the way ahead of its reopening. 

George Campbell, the pub's new tenant, said: “It was a really good weekend.

" We had a lot of support from the community, shareholders, and the committee behind it.

"We also had great support when we opened for Sunday lunch and great feedback from that," he said. 

Two people even stayed overnight making it the pub’s first guests since its closure.

As the pub looks ahead to its first festive season back in business, it has a lineup of special events planned to celebrate with the village.

This Thursday at 7pm (October 31), the pub will host a Halloween event complete with village ghost stories told by a figure dressed as the Grim Reaper as well as a special Halloween menu. 

On Bonfire Night, the pub will hold a mini fireworks display, complete with complimentary hotdogs and candy apples for children. 

More information can be found via www.facebook.com/TheSamsonInn