We reported back in June that The Grey Horse pub in Whitburn was going to be turned into a co-op and flats. All seemed lost.

But a concerted effort by local residents who objected to the plans has led to Sunderland Councils planning department overturning the decision to convert the pub into shops and apartments.

What happens next is anyone’s guess but I’m glad that a particularly pleasant-looking pub has been saved. It would be great if it was bought and ran by the community but I imagine it might mysteriously burn down.