A dormant Huntingdon pub which has laid derelict for six years is on the brink of reopening.

The Falcon Tavern, which was last open in 2008, is set for a new lease of life as confirmation of new landlords of the Market Hill venue is expected in the next few weeks.

Currently lease holder Spirit Pub Company is carrying out some work on the building ahead of the potential takeover, believed to be by Paul Hepworth, landlord of Northampton real ale pub, The Olde England.

The Hunts Post believes that the new owners want the Falcon, which will have an emphasis on real ales, to be open ready for Christmas. The renovation of the pub, thought to be the oldest in Huntingdon, is being kept under the watchful eyes of Huntingdonshire District Council’s conservation team, which put the grade II-listed building on the “at risk register” in 2010.

A spokesman for Huntingdonshire CAMRA said: “The details we’ve had are that the lease on the Falcon is being acquired by Paul Hepworth who runs The Olde England pub in Northampton and a pub in Wellingborough.

“The owners of the Falcon, Spirit, have agreed to carry out major work on the roof, ceilings and cellar and the new owner will be completely refurbishing the interior.

“The pub will offer a very extensive range of real ales, five from the Marston’s group, with another 10 hand pumps for local independent breweries.

“A feature will be made of the historical connections with the civil war - Cromwell’s Model Army was for some time based at the Falcon.

“Hunts CAMRA very much welcomes this news, particularly as the potential incumbent has a history of running pubs firmly based on providing a community facility with a very strong emphasis on a wide choice of high quality drinks including locally-brewed real ales.

“The Olde England has been selected for listing in CAMRA’s new national Good Beer Guide 2015.”

A spokesman for Spirit said: “We are currently giving the Falcon a minor refurbishment while we secure a potential subtenant for the property.”

Fleurets, which is conducting the transaction, said the sale had not been confirmed.