VILLAGERS have rescued a pub from permanent closure following a significant community funding effort.

The Samson Inn, which sits on the Cumbria-Northumberland border and Hadrian's Wall trail, closed in October 2022. 

It is one of two pubs in the village. 

Over the course of the last two years, the Gilsland Community Benefit Society Limited launched a bid to take ownership of the Samson Inn, bringing it into the arms of the community. 

Since its closure, the 'Save Our Samson' campaign has rallied 465 shareholders, and together this determined community raised over £150,000 through shares, donations and event sponsorship.

To bring the community over the finish line, they have also been awarded a hefty boost from the Community Ownership Fund from the former Department of Levelling Up with a grant surpassing £215,000.

“There have been ups and downs, hurdles and challenges - but if it was easy, the 'high' of completing the purchase wouldn't be so exciting” a spokesperson from the group said. 

Whilst on the hunt for a new tenant, the community is planning for the pub's future - beginning with external refurbishments scheduled in the coming weeks. 

The society has also rolled out the volunteers' Big Clean & Tidy Up initiative, which hopes to draw in expertise from the community from across the village to bring the pub back to ship shape. 

With hopes of 'preserving a significant moment in Gilsland's fascinating history, the group has called on locals to assist by sharing photographs of the pub's transformation. 

"Rest assured, The Samson Inn will be open as soon as we possibly can," a spokesperson said. 

"Thank you to each and every one of you.

"Without you, this could not have happened; but with you, the community of Gilsland now has a forever pub," they said.