A ONCE popular pub that has been closed for half a year has now officially re-opened after new young landlords took on the challenge.

The Plough in High Street has been taken over by local couple Sam Jenkins and Toria Hughes, much to the delight of residents who feared it could be bought by a large national company.

Mr Jenkins, 28, has worked in the pub business for 10 years, was born in Witney, and his entire family live in Hailey.

After the final refurbishments are complete, the former Wood Green school pupil will be moving to live above the pub with partner Toria, 22.

Speaking of the grand opening on the recent May bank holiday weekend, Mr Jenkins said: "It was amazing to gauge people's reactions. A lot of people were really happy to have their local pub back. It had been closed for more than six months.

"We had a soft launch last Wednesday and then opened on Friday evening. We couldn't have asked for it to go any better. It was really busy all evening, such a lovely show of support from the community."

The Plough, previously run by company Assured Pubs, closed down at the start of this year with no signs of re-opening. Residents took to social media to voice their concerns about it being taken over by another national chain.

Witney resident Alanicus Ward said back in January this year the pub needed "a lot of work" to get in shape again.

He posted a picture of the pub on his Facebook page at the same time, writing alongside it: "Finally the lease has been let go of. Time to be run by locals who care."

Speaking this week, Mr Ward said he was delighted the inn had been taken over by a young Witney couple.

He said: "I haven't managed to pop in yet but I'm so pleased. It certainly looks good from the outside. Fingers crossed they will be successful. I definitely want to pop in there soon."

Mr Jenkins, who was previously assistant manager at Jacob's Inn in Wolvercote, said the pub had been given a full refurbishment, especially around the bar area, to give it a airier, lighter feel.

He said: "We want people to know this is a family pub. We're not serving food at the moment but we are recruiting so we hope to have someone soon.

"We're all chipping in everywhere at the moment, and all the staff are family members or friends of the family."