A builder and his business partner have bought their local pub, which has been closed for nearly three years.

Daniel Robinson and Geoffrey Robinson, who are not related, decided to buy The Station Hotel in Picton after it failed to sell at auction. They both wanted to give something back to the community.

Daniel, who has lived on his family’s farm in Picton all his life, said: "The pub has always brought the community together, and lots of good times have been had there, it has been greatly missed by all since it's been closed."

Dan and Geoffrey have embarked on a restoration project which involves a complete refurbishment. Work has now started on demolishing and rebuilding part of the pub, with an extension planned to make way for a new restaurant, toilets, kitchen and car park.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Daniel and Geoffrey start work on The Station

The work is going to take some time but they are planning to be open later this year and are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new. Daniel, alongside his wife Yvonne and their four children, aim to manage the pub and will be shortly looking to recruit a chef and bar manager.

The Station Hotel has a long history in the village. It is thought to be over 150 years old, and is based on Long Lane, close to the old railway station near the original main line built by the Leeds Northern Railway in 1852, which still operates as the line from Northallerton to Stockton.

There was a side line, the Picton to Battersby Junction which served Stokesley and was closed many years ago. It is understood when farmers opened an auction mart beside it, Mr Hodgson, a local haulier, decided to turn his premises adjacent to the station into an inn, hence the Station Hotel was born.

The family say the Station Hotel will now be known as The Station. Its renovation journey can be followed on The Station Picton Facebook and Instagram pages.