A BROTHER and sister have pledged to turn a run-down pub into a community hub.

Enterprising landlords John and Donna Price will re-open The Mowden Hotel in Darlington later this month.

They hope to transform the run-down pub into a place where the community can come together and enjoy a host of activities.

Mr Price, who had his eye on the Staindrop Road pub for years, hopes a substantial refurbishment will attract a new crowd.

“I saw that it was looking pretty run-down, dark and dated," he said.

“We want to create a city centre atmosphere in a village pub, with Mowden and Hummersknott being like our villages.

“We’ve already got together a football team, a table football team, a reading and running group.

“It’s like the whole area is just crying out for something like this.”

The siblings have 36 years of pub and catering experience between them and have successfully run other North-East pubs, including The Village Inn at Brompton and The Black Horse in Ingleton.

They have plunged more than £80,000 of their own money into their new venture and say they have big plans for its future.

Mr Price said: “We aim to make it more welcoming for children and women.

“The decor will be lighter and brighter and all the food will be home made.”

Flyers have been distributed in the local area in a bid to drum up support ahead of the relaunch, taking place on Friday, September 26.