PUB chain Wetherspoon is believed to have found a buyer for The Coal Orchard pub in Taunton.

Two sources from the Bridge Street outlet have told the County Gazette an offer has been accepted.

It is claimed the premises will continue to be run as a pub by the new owner.

It is not known whether contracts have yet been signed.

Wetherspoon put the freehold of The Coal Orchard premises on the market in October last year on an asking price in the region of £450,000.

The company pledged to run the pub until a buyer could be found and also reassured staff there would be no redundancies as a result of the sale.

Agents Savills said the building was originally a 1930s cinema and features a bar servery and tables and seating for around 176 covers, with an external beer terrace.

The second floor houses toilets, the cellar and staff facilities.

Wetherspoon will maintain a presence in the county town as it owns The Perkin Warbeck pub in East Street, Taunton.

A spokesperson for the pub company said: "Wetherspoon will not comment on this at present."