A FORMER South Lakeland pub is officially under new management.

Grizedale Arts completed their purchase of The Farmer’s Arms at Lowick Bridge on Tuesday.

The arts organisation plans to return the inn back to the heart of the community.

More than £300,000 was raised during six months of fundraising.

Local investors and donors, on top of a matching loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund, contributed to the fund.

The Grade II listed pub had been empty for nearly two years before the charity took it over.

Grizedale Arts will now work together with the community to transform the neglected building.

They aim to make The Farmer’s Arms a welcoming pub and community hub.

It is hoped the oldest part of the inn, the Stable Bar, will be ready to reopen by summer, with rooms available by Autumn.

The Farmer’s Fete will be the first public event at the site.

On May 29/30, the organisers will welcome stalls by local producers selling food and drink, wood-fired pizza, fresh produce, bric-a-brac, antiques, crafts and more.

Get in touch at www.lakedistrictfarmersarms.com if you would like to have a stall or find out more.

On Saturday April 17 The Farmer’s Arms Garden School will start at nearby Nibthwaite Grange Farm.

This will be eight monthly sessions covering all the basics of gardening whilst providing the pub kitchen with fresh produce later in the summer.

It will give residents an opportunity to learn tried and tested ways to grow fruit, vegetables, trees and flowers.

In total, there will be 48 hours of tuition throughout the sessions.

Registration closes on midday Monday April 12 at www.grizedale.org/events/

Volunteers are also being asked to come and tidy the pub.

The tidying will take place on Thursday April 29 and May 15/16.

Pre-register as a volunteer by contacting project manager Emma Sumner: emma@grizedale.org / 015394 41050

Grizedale Arts have previously refurbished the Coniston Institute and Lawson Park, with the latter recognised with an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects.