A POPULAR village pub that quite literally rose from the ashes has celebrated its reopening.
The family-run Tiger Inn at Coneythorpe, near Knaresborough, has been extensively renovated and refurbished after being ravaged by fire in November last year.
Read more: How this pub is preparing to reopen almost a year after being devastated by huge fire
The pub, which has been run by Ian and Barbara Gill for the past 15-years, re-opened this week.
To mark the occasion, the Gills presented a cheque for £5,000 to the Fire Fighters Charity to thank the brave firemen who fought the blaze.
Ian Gill explained: “This was the least we could do.
"The local fire brigades from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Acomb were absolutely brilliant, showing incredible courage and expertise.
"We have so much to thank them for.
“We are delighted to have reopened – and to welcome back our regulars after being closed for so long.
Paul Metheringham, the incident commander on the night of the fire, said the donation was 'a tremendously generous gesture'.
He added: "The Fire Fighters Charity is a most worthwhile and important cause, helping firefighters and their families cope with injury, illness and rehabilitation.
“The fire was massive and we were thankful that we were able to save the Tiger from being completely destroyed.
"We know what an important part of the local community the pub is and we are delighted it has now reopened.
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"This cheque presentation makes the re-opening even more special.”
Barbara Gill added: “Had it not been for Covid someone would have been on the premises when the fire started.
"But, on the plus side, as the pub was empty, it meant there was no danger to life.
"Even so, the part the brave firefighters played in saving our pub was absolutely crucial.
"We will be forever grateful to them.”
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