Pub regulars in West Yorkshire are celebrating the 10th anniversary of buying their local and setting it up as a co-operative.

Back in 2012, more than 100 people pledged an initial £82,000 to buy the Fox and Goose at Hebden Bridge.

The then owner, Julia Warren, who had run and owned the pub for 10 years, was selling-up due to ill health.

A group called the Fox Friends had been set up to bid for the pub, although it took many months to raise the money needed and get everything organised.

The pub was saved in March 2014 when a group of regulars raised £130,000 to buy and repair it.

The community share offer to buy the pub attracted investment from 250 people including pub regulars, local investors and pub enthusiasts all over the country.

Later share offers in 2017, 2018 and 2019 increased its ownership to almost 300 members with an elected board of directors, while a current, open share offer is growing membership even further.

A salaried staff team has run the pub since it opened as a co-operative pub in March 2014 and managed to navigate the Covid closures.

Now the pub is celebrating its 10th year and marking the milestone with events running from 21-25 March.

Customers old, new and from every walk of life are invited to the events including a mini beer festival showcasing the pub’s favourite local breweries, DJs, live music, food, and an anniversary quiz.

The festivities will also see the return of special-edition collaboration brews reflecting the pub’s co-operative status, with anniversary T-shirts and merchandise also available. New commemorative beers will come later this year.

The pub is winning awards too – CAMRA Halifax and Calderdale made it Branch Pub of the Year in 2019 and 2022 – earning praise for its knowledgeable staff, quality and diversity of its ales and beers, its eclectic programme of music and events and a new, converted outdoor space.

Fox and Goose manager Hannah Thurman said: “The Fox and Goose team is excited to be celebrating the contribution of Fox and Goose members, staff, customers and suppliers to the success of the pub over the last 10 years.

“The 10th birthday is a chance to say thank you to the community who together saved the pub and to welcome new members and customers.

Fox and Goose Society chair Hannah Nadim said: “Over the past 10 years the Fox and Goose has grown its reputation as a friendly, co-operative, sustainable pub, known for its quality and range of beers and drinks.

“We are delighted that our much-loved pub can be run for the benefit of the community, and we hope the community will join us to celebrate.”

Those wishing to join the celebrations can keep up to date by visiting https://www.foxandgoose.org