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A County Durham pub is set to reopen under new management just months after its unexpected closure left customers and local musicians fearing for the future of one of the town's best-known venues.
Residents were left puzzled when The Crook Hotel in the town's Hope Street - popular for its live music, home-cooked food and accommodation - appeared to shut its doors at the start of July without any public explanation.
The closure sparked concern among regulars, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and highlight the venue's importance to Crook's live music scene.
Now there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel after Crook resident, Stephen Wilson shared an update on Facebook confirming plans are in place to reopen the business.
He wrote: "Just a quick update on the Crook Hotel.
"We are hoping to reopen within the next couple of weeks, unfortunately we are at the mercy of the electricity company to install the meter.
"Everything is staying the same with bands and food offers and accommodation, hope to see old and new faces soon."
The update is likely to come as welcome news for residents who had been left speculating about the future of the venue.
Earlier this summer, the Facebook group Crook Music Scene revealed it had been receiving questions from concerned customers following the pub's closure.
The group wrote: "Been asked about the sudden closure of the Crook Hotel two weeks ago.
"We have no updates yet on when it might reopen, only 'Crook rumours'.
"Hopefully someone can take it on soon, as it really is vital to Crook's music scene."
The post also highlighted the challenges facing the hospitality industry, noting that local pubs and clubs rely heavily on customer support to continue hosting live entertainment.
The Crook Hotel last posted on its social media channels on June 25, promoting an upcoming musical act, before falling silent.
Many regulars voiced their support for the venue online.
One customer wrote: "Go there often from Peterlee for live bands. Cracking pub. Hope it can be sorted."
Another added: "We travel from Consett to watch the bands on a Sunday as do a few more friends. Crook Hotel will be a big miss."
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A third commented: "The reality is we all need to support our local pubs or they will all disappear."
Rumours had circulated that the pub would eventually reopen under new management, but until now there had been no official confirmation.
While no reopening date has yet been announced, the latest update suggests customers may be able to return within the next few weeks once work relating to the property's electricity supply has been completed.