THE historic Ship Inn at Sandside near Milnthorpe has new owners after being put on the market for £350,000.

Real estate company Colliers International said the inn - which dates back to 1671 - was sold on behalf of Spirit Pub Co to Guardian Pensions of north Lancashire.

Colliers have not revealed whether the asking price was achieved.

The two-storey Ship Inn occupies an acre site and has former letting accommodation and a self-contained flat.

The building, which has an impressive view over the Kent Estuary towards the Lakeland Fells, is currently undergoing a refurbishment.

Jeff Wraith, associate director, licensed and leisure at the North West office of Colliers International, said: “The Ship Inn is an excellent example of a sensibly priced business opportunity which generated good levels of interest from a wide range of bidders.”