AN OXENHOPE pub that closed down 18 months ago is back in business.

The Waggon and Horses, in Hebden Bridge Road, has been bought by husband-and-wife team Michael and Rebekah Grimes.

They celebrated a well-attended opening night earlier this month, and are keen to re-establish the pub's participation in the popular annual Oxenhope Straw Race.

The couple already own the White Lion Hotel in Hebden Bridge.

Mr Grimes, 39, said: "We got the White Lion Hotel in September 2011. We still live where I was born – in Haworth – so we take the Hebden Bridge Road nearly every day and always pass the Waggon and Horses.

"We were looking for another site, and this place was perfect. I've been inside it before and seen its potential."

He said the property, which used to be a farmhouse, dated from the 1850s or 1860s.

"Back then there wasn't a connecting road over the tops into Hebden Bridge, so the farmer used to offer and a horse and cart service over the hills, which gave the pub its name," he added.

But three could be company as the couple also believe they have been joined by a ghost!

Mr Grimes said: "It's certainly haunted because when we were doing the renovation work, both the builder and me felt a 'something behind our backs' sensation outside the kitchen door. That's an interesting experience to have when you're up there by yourself!

"It seems to have died down now, so whatever is there must be happy with what we've done!"

Mr Grimes said the building had undergone a major refurbishment since he and his wife took over.

"It had been closed for the best part of 18 months and had suffered," he said.

"It was tired, dark and damp but the actual structure of the building was in quite good condition.

"It was just me, the builder and my dad who did the refurbishment, but it has gone down very well and people are really pleased with it.

"We had a fantastic response on the opening night. We opened for drinks at 7pm and had more than 140 people through the door. We're thankful for everyone's support."

Mr Grimes began his career as a kitchen porter when he was 16.

He has worked in many pubs in and around the Haworth area, and completed a stint as a north of England territory manager for Wilson Golf before returning to the hospitality industry.

He said that as well as re-connecting the pub to the Oxenhope Straw Race route, he and his wife have plans to host bonfire nights in future.