"I'M NIPPING down to the pub" will not mean quite what it did in the past at a pub in Kirklington, near Thirsk.

For the new landlords at the Black Horse Inn, John Haigh and Jacqui Turner, are taking Prince Charles' advice to heart, and intend to make "the pub the hub" of the community.

A sub-post office will open on Thursday. A take-away fish and chips service on Friday nights has already proved a hit.

"The fish and chips are already doing very well as the nearest fish shop is in Bedale, some six miles away," said Mr Haigh.

The village shop closed several months ago so the new landlords, who previously ran the Wheatsheaf in Borrowby, have decided to open a sub-post office with an internet caf, PC, scanning, copying and laminating facilities.

These are just a few of the facilities planned. Others include an art gallery featuring limited edition prints by a local artist, a pool table for teenagers and a pets' corner.

"We already have two guinea pigs and a lion-headed rabbit. We intend to get a goat and some lambs and are on the lookout for a donkey," added Mr Haigh.

The pub serves food, too, and themed nights and murder mystery nights are planned

"If we depended just on beer sales we wouldn't survive. By providing all these facilities we hope to bring the community together again and become the focal point.

"When old people come in on pension day we intend to get a good fire going, get the coffee pot on and serve scones so they can sit and have a natter."

Another idea is to set up a summer fete to bring people together.

Not content with these activities, they are also in early discussion with the Countryside Agency for grant funding for building a shop annexe and a bunkhouse and shower/toilet block.

To let the locals know what is going on, a regular newsletter has been distributed.

"This, too, has been very well received," added Mr Haigh.