A north-east hotel immortalised by a classic film is to close its doors for potentially the final time in August.

The Pennan Inn was made famous in the 1983 Burt Lancaster film Local Hero, after the building and distinctive telephone box opposite were featured.

In the decades since, it has become a regular pilgrimage for fans and today still benefits from a booming tourist trade.

But financial pressures stemming from the downturn in the oil industry and changes to drink-driving laws have signalled closing time at the bar for landlord Peter Simpson.

He and his former partner, Nikki, took over the reigns of the remote pub, which has a clientele of just 12 local residents, nine years after its former owners walked away.

Last night, Mr Simpson said it would be with a “heavy heart” that he finally locks up.

He said off-season trade meant it was no longer “financially viable” to keep the doors open any longer.

He said: “Business hasn’t been good in the past three or four years. It’s just me running things here now and I’m struggling to make a living from it.”