A PUB in Herefordshire is being taken over, with the outgoing owners saying it has been an "honour and privilege" to serve the local community.

The Royal Oak in Much Marcle, near Ledbury, has new owners after Daniel and Jessica Pardoe felt the time was right to move on.

The couple said that it was with a "heavy heart" that they left the pub, on the main road between Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye, on Monday (September 27) due to personal reasons.

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While they had looked at bringing in a manager and taking a step back from the day-to-day running, that was not possible.

"Due to the loss of my wife’s mum and the current health of my father we feel this is the right time to spend some time with our family," Mr Pardoe said, who has run the pub for the last three years with his wife Jessica.

"We did look at bringing in managers to look after our business whilst we were away but with the ongoing issue with staff recruitment we felt this plan was not possible.

"I would like to thank you all for the love, support and friendships we have made over the last three years and your continued support that has allowed us to establish a fabulous trade at The Royal Oak even under these seriously difficult circumstances during Covid-19."

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He added: "It has been an honor and privilege to have owned this business in such a beautiful area, dealing daily with such loyal and wonderful customers from the surrounding community."

The couple finished the goodbye message to customers on social media by wishing them all lots of love, happiness and good health.

"After our family sabbatical we look forward to welcoming you back to our future business," they said.

In a later message to customers thanking them for their "wonderful comments" which brought tears to their eyes, they said: "To finish on a positive note, The Royal Oak will continue to trade as a pub so don't fear I'm sure the new owners will have you drinking and dining in style soon."