The fight to save a Gilsland pub was taken to Westminster.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman met with levelling up minister Jacob Young MP to discuss the future of the Samson Inn, a 17th-century pub, which has been the focus of public interest following its closure in October 2022.

A 'Save our Samson' campaign garnered significant attention, and more than £160,000 has been pledged towards the £295,000 required to secure the building but the Gilsland Community Benefit Society Limited has applied for funding from the Community Ownership Fund.

Mr Opperman said: "I met with the team behind the 'Save our Samson' campaign at Gilsland village hall in February, and I promised then that I would meet with decision-makers in Parliament to make the strongest possible case for their bid.

"It is clear from the groundswell of support on the ground and the incredible number of donations raised that there is an overwhelming desire from local people to save the Inn."

Jane McDaid, chairperson of Gilsland Community Benefit Society Limited said: "We await a positive Community Ownership Fund decision, and we are ready to move forward quickly to secure and open The Samson Inn as a Community Pub."

A successful bid hinges upon the imminent decision of ministers.