A VILLAGE near Tadcaster is to see the return of its only pub, two years after the business closed.

A former regular of the White Swan in Wighill is now refurbishing the building and has said he intends to return the business to the focal point of the community.

Nick Young said he was motivated to buy the business after regularly driving past the empty building and seeing it falling into dereliction.

“I was so fed up with pubs in decline that I decided to open one exactly as I wanted it,” he said.

This will be the first pub venture for Mr Young, who has a background in the motor trade, but he is confident the enthusiasm of villagers will make the business a success.

“I have never done anything like this before – it’s a challenge,” he said. “I wanted to own a pub that I myself would like to eat and drink in.

“People are absolutely dying to come in. They thought they had lost their pub and it was going to end up a building site.

“They are desperate to get back in here.

“I see cars slowing down when they drive past to get a look at what is going on.”

The pub’s new owner promises real ales and said food would play a major part ion the resurrection of the business.

The hunt is now on to find a couple to run the White Swan, said Mr Young, ahead of the planned opening in October, and he is keen to hear from couples he believes can help bring the pub to the centre of the community again.

Meanwhile, news of the re-opening has been greeted with enthusiasm by residents.

Local business owner Nigel Lambert said: “Something needed to be done with it because it has just been derelict.

“It used to be a busy, viable business and people are looking forward to seeing it open again. “A pub is where the community gets together.

Mr Young can be phoned on 01904 700242.