MANAGERS of a Kirkbymoorside pub and hotel are celebrating success after spending the past two years turning the business around.

Steve and Maria Wrigley, who run the Kings Head in Kirkbymoorside, moved to the area two years ago to manage the pub after previously running a country inn in Knutsford, Cheshire.

After spending months on refurbishments before reopening in 2013, Steve and Maria have worked hard to turn the pub around and have now been named runner-up in the Marston’s Turnaround Pub of the Year for the North of England.

Steve said: "We knuckled down and got everything how we wanted it to be. We have got a first class chef who has been with us for 12 months now and we are building a reputation for good accommodation.

"It is nice that we are getting that sort of recognition and bit by bit we have turned the pub around. I know there was in the region of about 100 pubs which entered so to come runners up I think is quite an achievement."

The couple have also been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from travel and tourism review website Tripadvisor for the pub.

Steve said: "It has been hard work but we are so glad that we have done it. The people of Kirkbymoorside are really nice and friendly as well.

"There were quite a few pubs missing when we arrived so hopefully we have brought a bit back into Kirkbymoorside that was missing and hopefully we are bringing more people into Kirkbymoorside as well which is good for everyone."