THE last-remaining pub in a Bromsgrove village has been saved by a traditional craft brewery, and is set to reopen in the spring, after a refurb.

Loyal patrons in Finstall said what they thought was their last cheers to The Cross Inn in September, as the Alcester Road pub went up for sale, leaving the village without a local.

But Black Country Ales has since bought out the establishment, and is promising to preserve the inn as a traditional community hub - with a more extensive beer and ale selection.

Angus McMeeking, director of Black Country Ales, said: "We're a small pub company that specialises in real ales and traditional pubs.

"Our vision for The Cross Inn is somewhere locals can go for a conversation, and possibly a game of dominoes and a pint, rather than a jukebox or restaurant sort of operation.

"From what we've learnt about the pub's history, it's a proper community local, and we intend to continue that.

"We'll add a large choice of different beers, and these will change throughout the year, and there will be a modest food selection - what you might call traditional pub food - pork pies, sausage rolls, that kind of thing.

"We plan to keep the pub name the same, so The Cross Inn will stay in Finstall for many years to come."

The new owners claim the sale may not have been possible if Bromsgrove District Council hadn't voted to list the pub an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Mr McMeeking added: "The ACV status kept away those that would have redeveloped the pub as accommodation.

"In this instance, it worked well to preserve the pub for local people."

Pub regular Mike Matthews, who appealed for buyers after The Cross Inn's closure, said locals were 'very excited' by the news.

"The Cross will be run as a country pub as it should be," Mike told the Advertiser. "It hasn't been the same without it. Every time I go out I'll bump into one of the regulars and they'll ask if there has been any news about The Cross.

"It was the only place we could all meet up and say hello - a real focal point for the village. It's a relief to know we'll have that again in a few months' time."

Black Country Ales is now advertising for a couple to manage The Cross Inn, and will be holding interviews for the live-in role in the new year. Contact liz@blackcountryales.co.uk for more information.