BACKERS of the region's newest community-owned pub has launched a massive push to get the doors open for Christmas and reward the residents who have rallied round to save it.

A new landlord and landlady have also been appointed to spearhead the rejuvenation of The Green Dragon at Exelby, near Bedale. While some of the pub is still a building site, the bar and cosy snug are up and running and the bar is fully stocked to give the people who worked hard to rescue the pub the chance to use it over the festive period.

More than 125 shareholders clubbed together, and along with grants, managed to raise the £300,000 needed to secure the pub and ensure future of the village.

New licensees Tom and Becci Baker will be running the place alongside the community group, and have big plans for a new restaurant, shop and accommodation.

Mr Baker, 32, said: "It was the big draw for us that the community wanted to invest in the pub and make it a success. We thought this kind of opportunity only comes along very rarely so we decided to go for it.

“We wanted to get the pub open for Christmas and New year, that seemed so important for the residents and supporters and while some of it is still a building site, particularly the restaurant, we have a nice pub area and we’re opening for drinks from 4pm to 11pm during the week and from noon at weekends.

“We can’t do food yet, that will be happening in February, but it was crucial to get it up and running for the festive season. We’re really excited about this and everyone has made us so welcome, we’re looking forward to establishing The Green Dragon as a thriving local pub and put it at the heart of the community by working with the people who live and work here.”

John Walker, secretary of Exelby Green Dragon Community Pub Ltd said they are overjoyed all the hard work is paying off. He added: “We worked out volunteers have walked 500 miles, delivered 15,000 leaflets, spent 1,500 hours in meetings, and put in 3,000 hours working on tidying and cleaning.

“To get to this point is a huge bonus, we always wanted to be open for Christmas and the festive season. We are still issuing shares there is a lot to do, we are hoping to raise another £40,000. We are so lucky to have found Tom and Becci, they have a background in pubs are really enthusiastic and will help make it is so much more than a pub but a real heart for the community.”