THE future of the Green Dragon Inn in Northlew has been safeguarded — thanks to a group of villagers, spearheaded by a man particularly keen to secure the pub's future. When Dan Anscomb heard that The Green Dragon was going up for sale he decided to take action. Dan, who worked at the pub, approached business consultant Richard Rossiter-Stead for advice and mentoring on taking on the business. Together they attracted two other investors, Mark Turley and Martin Perry, to join Dan and together they secured a commercial mortgage to purchase the pub. Richard said: 'We all know the pub well and were prepared to invest time and money to keep it as a proper village pub. 'It is an ancient beamed building in the heart of the village overlooking the village square. 'We did not want to lose it or see it taken out of character.' Dan now manages the pub, and he and the other new owners have retained eight other members of staff. The pub is now open every lunchtime as well as evenings for food, and there is a pensioners' lunch once a fortnight. Other events include quiz nights, open mic and music nights. Martin Perry is one of the investors. He said that Dan was the key to securing the pub's future, with his infectious character and raft of ideas hinting at a promising future for the pub. He said: 'Dan is such a nice and lovely guy, and he is so keen and enthusiastic. We have been friends for a long time, and his enthusiasm convinced me to invest. 'For every village this size, the pub is absolutely crucial. 'Most have lost their post office, or village shops, and the pub is the last thing left. 'It can be the centre, a community hub at the heart of the village. And that's apart from the fact I love walking down the road to have a pint there. 'There is no reason why it shouldn't be another Clovelly Inn in Bratton Clovelly, or the Duke of York in Iddesleigh. 'Those pubs are busy throughout the week, and that's what we want here. 'We need to get the food right and have it be a focus, and I am sure the pub will do very well. 'I am very excited about the future. 'It is a unique building, and the pub has great potential.' Mark Crang, NatWest relationship manager, helped to secure the mortgage deal. He said: 'It was a pleasure to work with Richard, Dan, Mark and Martin and help realise their ambitions to ensure the pub remains at the heart of the village community. 'Their business plan was thorough and well researched and brought to life their enthusiasm and future plans and ambitions for The Green Dragon.'