The original Woolpack from TV's Emmerdale has been sold to the UK's biggest pub chain.

The world-famous inn at the heart of the village of Esholt went on the market for £600,000 last year.

Today its sellers were staying tight-lipped about the deal but said they were "happy" and "working up a thirst" ready for the pub opening its doors again next month.

The 173-year-old pub, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, has been sold to Enterprise Inns.

The Woolpack has been shut since October when it closed without warning. Landlord Brian Pickard left suddenly, leaving villagers baffled and coachloads of tourists disappointed.

Esholt businessman Andy Stakes and his partners, who set up a limited company in 2004 to buy the popular hostelry from Bradford Council, decided to sell the Woolpack after Mr Pickard's departure left their business venture in difficulties.

Mr Stakes admitted he and his partners decided to put the pub back on the market after they realised they were just a bunch of "amateurs" who had the pub's best interest at heart but "knew nothing about running pubs".

Mr Stakes said he was relieved the pumps would soon be pulling pints again and added: "I can't reveal how much we got for it but I can say we are all happy - especially as it means the pub will be opening soon. We've heard mid-February.

"Apparently the new owners are talking about doing a bit of work on the inside first but we're all working up a thirst in anticipation of a good pint. We can't wait to see the doors open again and the pub be full, that's what we wanted for the village all along. Hopefully the new owners will keep its charm and character." Originally known as The Commercial Inn, the pub changed its name a number of years ago as a result of the popularity of the soap opera.

Although the Woolpack's role in the TV series actually finished seven years ago when filming was moved to a purpose-built pub on the nearby Harewood estate, it still hasn't deterred the throngs of visitors who still flock to Esholt from as far away as Finland, Japan, Canada and New Zealand.

Emmerdale is shown in 68 countries, and the Woolpack is thought to be one of the world's most recognisable pubs.

Alastair McDowell of agents Westlake and Co said: "We put the Woolpack on the market and within a short time created a significant amount of interest. Enterprise Inns were quick to do a deal."

Enterprise Inns is the largest leased and tenanted pub company in the UK. It was set up in 1991 and now has nearly 9,000 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.