Landlady of The Oddfellows Arms in Sherburn-in-Elmet stands by ban on under-26s due to coronavirus spike

Maggie Holmes, owner of The Oddfellows Arms in Sherburn-in Elmet, said she had been left a "nervous wreck" after posting a Facebook statement explaining the change - which has since been deleted.

But Maggie said she was standing by the change in order to protect customers, her business and the wider area.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We are just trying to keep people safe.

"There have been three outbreaks in and around the village.

"I don't want to close again - we had four months of no income.

"I am not naive enough to think a fifty-year-old or a sixty-year-old could come in with coronavirus, but when the statistics are what they are - that's where I have to protect my business."

The rise in the rate of Covid-19 infections in Leeds and other areas has been partly attributed to an increase in cases among young people.

The Oddfellows Arms has an LS postcode but comes under the North Yorkshire area.

Maggie, 52, said she had helped turn the pub around in the 18 months her and husband Darren have been at the helm and said she let their brewery, Enterprise Inns, know about their plans before making the announcement.

Most customers are over the age of 30, though there are some younger visitors around the weekends, Maggie said.

The original Facebook post provoked a strong and mixed reaction and was commented on by hundreds of people.

But some people who have never been to the pub have gone on to leave negative reviews of the venue and its food online.

Maggie said she has had phone calls from Essex and Newcastle, while one caller said they wished her dead and hoped her business never recovered.

"These people have never even been here," Maggie added. "We run a good pub.

"I am just a nervous wreck."

The original Facebook post read: "In light of recent events and an escalation in cases we are now not serving anyone in the age bracket 18-25.

"We have thought about this very carefully, we will continue to try and ensure our community, customers and staff are all kept safe in these difficult times.

"Before anyone tries to say we are wrong, think of the implications for us as a business. This is not where we want to be.

"We would rather have a safe environment than a place which is teetering on the risk of closure.

"Please see that we are acting for everyone's best intentions at this time.

"We have some of the most amazing well mannered, well behaved customers in that age bracket, but we simply cannot take the risk.

"As soon as we feel safe to do so we will ensure everyone knows.

"Thank you for understanding."