A pub that has become a "central part of the community" will celebrate its 350-year milestone this weekend with a celebration event to mark the occasion. 

The Cover Bridge Inn, in East Witton, near Leyburn, will throw a party at the venue to highlight the three and a half centuries of history that it holds in its walls. 

Despite having various guises over the years, including The Forresters Arms and The Masons Arms, the current inn is believed to have been built around 1670.

The Cover Bridge InnThe Cover Bridge Inn (Image: COVER BRIDGE INN)

Located on the River Cover, which perfectly reflects its current name, the pub benefits from a cosy feel with a log fire in the winter and a large beer garden at the back of the venue in the summer.

For the last three years, the pub has been owned by Stephen and Milly Bennett, who describe The Cover Bridge as "the middle of nowhere and the centre of everything," due to it being known for becoming a meeting place among locals. 

To mark the 350-year celebrations on Sunday (August 25), the couple have planned for five bands and DJs to play on a stage set up next to the River Cover in a mini-festival format, alongside a BBQ. 

Stephen and Milly BennettStephen and Milly Bennett (Image: COVER BRIDGE INN)

This mini-festival is a nod to the sort of events that were put on at the pub 30 to 40 years ago under a former landlord.

Stephen said: "The reputation of the pub is a traditional one with cask ales but it has life and energy, and a buzz around it. 

"Since we're a younger couple it caters for a range of people - the young farmer crowds, the rugby lot, and the traditional crowd who come in for a few pints of ale - this place is for everyone.

"The pub has got busier and busier year on year, and it's a real place for the community."

Most read:

Get more from The Northern Echo and stay informed with a digital subscription. Click here to find out more.

Described by the couple as a family-run pub, the venue does homecooked food from noon to 9pm each day, which has increased footfall. 

Milly added: "Our staff are amazing. The pub has a warm atmosphere, and there's a buzz around the place."

The event for the 350th year of the Cover Bridge Inn on Sunday (August 25) is ticket-only - and it has since sold out.