A PUB has been transformed thanks to the generosity of the local community.

The Foresters Arms in Coatham Mundeville, near Darlington, has been revitalised through the efforts of kind-hearted students, staff and locals.

Earlier in the year, the pub was heavily vandalised by a group of travelling football fans.

A number of Cardiff City fans caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage in May when they stopped off on their way to a Premier League game at Newcastle.

Since then, landlady Kate Umpleby has been inundated with kind gestures.

Staff and locals have pitched in by picking up paintbrushes, hanging pictures and even planing doors.

Students from Darlington College’s Next Steps programme worked to repair a picnic bench smashed by the vandals.

The bench was returned to the pub today (June 12) by a group of horticultural students who stayed to tidy the grounds and plant items donated by Windlestone Nurseries.

Ms Umpleby, 43, said she was overwhelmed by the support, adding: “I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has given up their time and inspired me to stay open.

“The lovely efforts of these people to go above and beyond allow me to keep the doors open.

“I run the pub on my own and it can be difficult in this day and age, when pubs all over the country are shutting.

“It’s looking beautiful now, I am so grateful and it’s been nice to see the community coming together.”