A landmark Oxenhope pub is due to re-open this afternoon.

The Bay Horse in Upper Town went on the market for £295,000 last summer, and was bought by a West Yorkshire-based chain called EM Inns.

Earlier this week the company’s boss, Matthew Evans, confirmed he had appointed a new pair of licensees – Jimmy and Karen Mawdsley – from Keighley, who will hopefully reopen the premises today in good time for Christmas.

“It’s a lovely village pub, and it’s the sort of place that should be a pleasure to run,” he said.

Mr Evans added a lot of internal work is required to ensure the premises can open for business at 4pm today.

EM Inns was set up about six years ago, and has five other pubs across the north-west. The Bay Horse will be its first in Yorkshire.