A PUB has undergone a major revamp in an attempt to reignite the village pub scene.

Landlords Colin and Hazel Ward have renovated the interior of their Lindal pub The Railway Inn in a bid to attract more local customers.

The pair, who bought the pub 11 years ago, have refurbished the seating area, repainted the walls, purchased new chairs and pictures and installed a new fireplace.

The couple hope the newly-renovated space will provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for customers.

Mrs Ward said: “We felt that a refurbishment might encourage more customers to our beautiful public house.

“I think local pubs are so important for the community.

“They’re a great way to meet new people, socialise and just have a chat.

“For a lot of people, they’re the heart of community, so it’s so important we try to keep it going.”

Before opening The Railway Inn, the couple owned a pub in Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire but soon fell in love with the quaint village of Lindal.

Mrs Ward said: “My parents owned pubs as well so I’ve really been born and bred surrounded by pubs.

“It’s something we both love to do and hopefully will continue to do for many years.

“After we came to Lindal, we just fell in love with the place - the location is just beautiful.”

Mrs Ward has noticed a general decline in pub-goers in the past few years.

She said: “Pubs are shutting at a rapid pace at the moment. There’s been a major decline in people going to their local pub which has resulted in closures across the country.

“I think things like Brexit and the economy have had an impact on the pub industry - people just can’t afford to go anymore.”

The rise in chain public houses and restaurants has also had an impact on the pub industry, according to Mrs Ward.

She said: “People are going more chain nowadays which local, independent businesses like ours, just can’t keep up with.

“They may be cheaper but you get more for your money here.

“It’s an atmosphere and friendliness which your local helps provide.”

Despite trying times, Mrs Ward and her husband are determined to remain open and serve Lindal customers.

Mrs Ward said: “We are trying our best to keep this local village pub alive as so many are closing in recent years.

“Hopefully our renovation offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to customers.”

The Railway Inn serves a range of craft ale and variety of home-cooked food.