THE Newcastle office of business agent, Christie + Co, has announced the sale of The Plainsman public house in Annfield Plain, near Consett.

A freehold price of £140,000 was sought and the buyer is local to the Consett area.

Mark Worley of Christie + Co, who handled the sale, said: “This pub has stood empty for some considerable time and has suffered greatly through a lack of investment.

“The new owner intends to refurbish and renovate the premises before re-opening it as a pub once more.

“We wish him well in this venture and hope that the people of Annfield Plain support him by visiting the pub.”