The youth hostel franchise at Hawes has been sold for £100,000 to a head teacher.
Originally from Newcastle, David Miller, the head teacher of a special educational needs and disability (SEND) school in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, has bought the long-term lease for the 14-room, 52-bed hostel after it was put on the market by commercial property estate agent Ernest Wilson.
The youth hostel is popular with groups of walkers and mountain bikers and has provided budget accommodation as a base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales since 1972.
The reopen to guests on May 17 when Government Covid restrictions are relaxed.
Mr Miller, 57, who plans to continue in his role as a headteacher, has recruited Steve Bussey to manage the hostel and intends to introduce work experience placements for young people with learning disabilities from 2022.
“I know from my work as a head teacher that workplace opportunities for young people with learning difficulties are nowhere near as widely available as they should be.
Mr Miller said: “At Hawes Youth Hostel we hope to be one of the few businesses linking up with SEND schools and colleges nationally to provide short and long-term placements for 18-25-year-olds in areas such as housekeeping, catering and grounds maintenance.
“We will also be looking into the prospect of employing a full-time tutor to oversee the work experience programme.
“This kind of opportunity can be transformational for the lives of these young people and I see this as my chance to create something really positive that can continue to make an impact long after my time, in the form of a charitable trust.”
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