A WHARFEDALE pub that suffered a major fire before Christmas is preparing to reopen.

The White Hart, at Pool-in-Wharfedale, was closed through the whole festive period following the blaze on Wednesday, December 21.

The fire severely damaged the inn and restaurant's rear kitchen and storage area, where it had started, though the main building was left relatively unscathed.

The pub has been closed ever since but has recently posted a new notice on its website to announce that refurbishment work is progressing.

The statement said: "We are currently undergoing a makeover and will soon be ready to introduce our new and beautiful The White Hart.

"Check back in with us in a few weeks for more exciting news."

Six fire engines plus an aerial appliance were sent out to tackle the blaze in the early hours of December 21, when Main Street was closed to allow them to take up positions around the inn.

The White Hart is a popular dining destination and had been readying itself for its busiest period of the year before the incident.