A Victorian coaching inn that was closed for more than a year has reoponed in time for Christmas.

The Sally, at Irthington – formerly The Salutation Inn – has benefited from a £150,000 refurbishment over the last few months.

“It’s been a real race against time but we’re open in time for our very first Christmas,” said joint owner Shaun Gardner.

The Sally now has a modern interior, with wood burning stoves and stone floors.

“The interest from people has been fantastic,” said joint owner and head chef Jimmy Little, whose parents live locally.

Villager Emma Skelton, who chaired a campaign to save the pub when it closed, is delighted.

“Everyone was so worried when the pub closed because once an area loses an amenity it rarely comes back,” she said.

Emma will be running her book club from The Sally in the New Year.

Other ongoing plans include six en-suite bedrooms for visitors and tourists using the popular Hadrian’s Wall path and Reiver’s cycle route.

“We’re also creating an area at the rear of the pub for walkers to clean their boots and give their dogs water,” said Shaun.

The business partners ran the Brewery House in Workington for several years before buying The Sally this summer.

The pub was built in 1895.