The Blacksmith Arms, the 18th century stone-built free house in the picturesque village of Lastingham in the North York Moors National Park, has been sold.

The extent of the deal is undisclosed, but there was an asking price of £300,000 for the freehold.

The new owner is Craig Miller, from Great Habton, near Malton - a first time freehouse purchaser.

The Blacksmith Arms attracts custom from many of the more than 30,000 people a year who visit the shrine of the Saxon bishop, St Cedd, whose remains lie in the crypt below St Mary's Church in the village.

The detached pub consists of a lounge bar, public bar, snug, games room, 30-cover restaurant, three double-letting bedrooms and owner's accommodation with two bedrooms, lounge and bathroom.

The public areas have immense character, with heavily beamed ceilings and cosy open fireplaces, including an old cast iron range in the lounge.

To the rear of the property is a delightful lawned beer garden with picnic-style benches.

The pub was "confidentially marketed" by the Leeds office of Christie & Co after proprietor Janet Frank decided to retire after six years.

James Boshier, associate director of Christie & Co, said: "We were instructed to market the business on a very confidential basis and in spite of no open marketing we are delighted to have secured a quick sale."