A WEST Dorset pub is on the market for nearly half a million pounds.

Brewer Hall and Woodhouse is selling the Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, near Dorchester.

The Blandford-based family firm is asking £425,000 for the freehold interest in the 18th century pub. Staff at the Winchester office property agents Christie and Co are handling the sale.

Agent Tonya West said: "We are delighted to be marketing this prime-sited Dorset village freehouse."

The pub was previously let by Hall and Woodhouse on a tenancy agreement.

But it is selling the freehold interest under rationalisation of of its tenanted estate of 200 pubs in the south of England.

The Royal Oak is a former coaching inn and dates to 1795. It is the only public house in Milborne St Andrew.

The two-storey building features include fireplaces, exposed beams, a lounge and public bars, a 40-cover restaurant and a 30-cover skittles alley and function room. There is also a four-bedroom owner's accommodation, a beer garden and a private yard.