A NORTH Yorkshire pub is increasing its support for local residents with the opening of a new room with audio and visual facilities to attract groups and home-workers.

The room at The Exelby Green Dragon near Bedale, is now well-equipped to offer video conference and out of home working facilities.

Publicans Tom and Becci Baker, who run the community-owned pub, want to encourage societies and groups to use the space as well as appeal to people working from home.

The room, which includes a wide screen TV, internet access and video conferencing facilities, was opened with the expert help and a Community Services Fund from Pub is The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services

Mr Baker said: "This new community room will offer those people working from home a safe environment, appeal to local groups as well as offering conference facilities for local businesses.

"The great audio visual facilities will allow us to offer events to get the local residents together."