A pub, B&B and wedding venue with views across one of the nation's most picturesque rivers has been sold.

Set on the edge of the Forest of Dean and Wye valley, the Inn On The Wye offers a scenic setting with views across the River Wye, Goodridge Castle and the Herefordshire countryside.

With parts of the building said to date back to the mid 1800's, the two-storey property has been extended and underwent a substantial but sympathetic renovation in 1995, retaining many of its period features.

British Country Inns decided to sell the Inn on the Wye, the last in a group of managed pubs that was EIS funded, through property advisers Christie & Co.

Tony and Jane Southall, of Worcester-based Dynamic Construction Southall Ltd, have acquired the inn as part of the continued expansion of their group.

Louise Turley, the new leaseholder of the pub, said: "I am delighted to be the new owner of The Inn on The Wye.

"I've worked in the service industry for many years, most recently spending time in France running a small hotel. I came to a wedding at the Inn back in May and when I heard it was up for sale, I knew I had to arrange a viewing."

She added: "There are no plans to make any immediate changes to the Inn. It already has a great reputation for food, so I want to expand on that and include more locally sourced products within our menus. It's an exciting time and a great opportunity for me to build on an established business.

"There's a great welcoming atmosphere at the Inn and I am lucky to inherit a great team of friendly, experienced and helpful staff. Together we aim to make it the number one destination for food, drink, celebrations and a place to stay whilst exploring the beautiful Wye Valley."

Nicholas Calfe, director (licensed) at Christie & Co, handled the sale. She said: "The Inn on the Wye has been run under management for several years and it is the new owner's intention to invest into the property injecting new life into business.

"The pub market offers a number of opportunities for well-funded buyers despite the uncertainty in the economic climate."