A PUB in Merton, leased to the same family for three generations, has a new tenant for the first time in a century.

The Maltscoop Inn had been in Margaret Down's family since her grandparents Arthur and Anne Marie Blight took on the pub's lease in 1906, when it was part of a 106 acre farm.

Last week marked the end of an era at the Maltscoop, as Louise Rollason became the pub's first new tenant for 106 years.

When Margaret and her husband Ron decided to call time and retire from running the pub, there was a fear that the village would be left without a pub — according to CAMRA, 300 pubs have closed in the six month period before March 2012. Louise taking over the Maltscoop has safeguarded the pub from closure.

Margaret and Ron will be keeping an eye on the changes in the pub while enjoying retirement from their new home next door.

Margaret said: 'I was born in the Maltscoop and it holds many lovely memories for me but I'm delighted that it can continue as a pub because it's an important part of village life.

'A pub is a place for people to come and talk about their news and about their troubles — and my mother Olive was always a very good listener.

'When I was young, there used to be lots of farmers and clay workers coming into the bar, and they'd drink lots of cider and draught beer. Times have changed and village life has altered but it's pleasing to know that the pub has a future.'

Louise is looking forward to running the Maltscoop. She ran the Bull and Dragon pub in Meeth in the late 1990s, and plans to keep the traditional country inn feel at the Maltscoop.

Lousie said: 'I saw the Maltscoop as a golden opportunity but, at the time when so many pubs are closing down, I wasn't sure whether the owners would commit to keeping it as a village pub.

'It's a lovely building with a wonderful garden that has views of Dartmoor and it's been an absolute joy to restore. It used to be the old farmhouse but it gradually shut down as a pub when the tenants converted the neighbouring old stable block into the main bar.'

Clinton Devon Estates leases the pub.

Adrian Pitts, estate surveyor said: 'We could possibly have leased the building as a family home but we recognise that a village pub is such an important part of the community. We have been pleased to be able to do our part for Merton, and we wish Louise the very best of luck with her new business.'