THE Elphinstone Arms was granted a new licence to trade, to a round of applause, at East Lothian Council’s licensing board meeting today (Thursday).

The village pub, which has been shut since February, has been allowed to reopen under a new licence holder, with manager Margaret Dodds remaining in her post.

The decision followed presentations from customers, who described the pub as the heart of the village community.

A full story will appear in next week's Courier.