A POPULAR Huddersfield pub The Woodman Inn has been taken off the market.

The Thunderbridge boozer was put up for sale last November by owners Chennell & Armstrong Ltd.

The company said it was selling the thriving rural business due to the impending retirement of commercial director, David Statner.

But yesterday the York- based business, which is also selling landmark Leeds pub Whitelocks, announced a decision to keep operating the pub.

Mr Statner said: “In consideration of my retirement this year after 40 years in the licensed trade, the shareholders decided to dramatically reduce its day to day operations by placing our West Yorkshire pubs on the market.

“We have now agreed terms on the leaseholds and the smaller management team at Chennells is looking forward to continuing trading at Thunderbridge.”

Woodman Inn manager Chantal Sykes, said: “This announcement will be very well received by our many customers. With the recent granting of a Licence for Civil Ceremonies, I look forward to a really busy year, including our forthcoming celebrations for the Royal Wedding.”