LIKE all cities and towns, York has lost many pubs over the years.

But it can also boast some more uplifting pub survival stories.

Here are 6 of them....

York Press:

1 - The Waggon and Horses in Lawrence Street looked doomed in 2007/8, when it was put up for sale after a tough few years. But Batemans Brewery bought, refurbished and reopened it, and it has gone on to win several awards in the past 5 years.

__________

York Press:

2 - The Phoenix in George Street underwent numerous managerial changes and when it was put up for sale it looked like it may be converted. But it was bought freehold at auction in 2009 and is now one of the finest pubs in York.

__________

York Press:

3 - The Bay Horse in Marygate was closed from 2003 to 2008. When City of York Council granted permission in 2007 for it to to be turned into offices and flats, its time looked to be up. But the economic crash meant those plans faltered, and instead it was saved and re-opened.

York Press:

4 - The Volunteer Arms in Watson Street in Holgate came within one vote of being lost. Punch Taverns wanted to turn it into housing, but amid protests, a council committee rejected the plans by 4 votes to 3 in 2008. Paul Crossman then bought it and it is today thriving as a freehouse.

York Press:

5 - The Leeman on the corner of Livingstone Street and Stamford Street East looked well and truly doomed. When Tim Kinslow bought it, he didn't even realise it was still trading. He had envisaged housing - but decided instead to save the pub, restore it and rename it The Leeman Rose. [Read his full story here]

York Press:

6 - And finally, a blast from the past... The Lowther in Cumberland Street was all set to be demolished back in 1971, along with four other properties. The site was earmarked for a new police HQ for York, but the plans were never implemented and the pub continues to stand proudly on York's riverfront.