VILLAGERS in Hillesley have successfully raised enough money to buy their local pub.

In just eight months more than 100 local people have stepped forward and put their money where their mouth is to stump up the cash to buy The Fleece Inn.

The Fleece, along with 36 other pubs across the country, went up for sale last October when Retail and Licensed Properties No6 went into administration. The pub eventually closed in April.

However, locals do not have long to wait to set foot inside The Fleece again as it re-opens at the end of this month.

Nigel Vaughan, spokesman for the community group that has bought the pub called Hillesley Community Pub Ltd, said: "We completed the contract on June 21 and on June 23 we had a big party at the pub to celebrate.

"Now we are doing a lot of work on The Fleece. A lot of volunteers are doing decorating work and garden work cutting trees and the grass and getting the play area ready.

"We’ve also got tradesmen in tidying up inside and sorting various issues, improving the heating system and getting the kitchen sorted out."

The Hillesley Community Pub Ltd, which is made up of 100 shareholders, has already appointed a new manager and is looking to find a chef and other staff.

Mr Vaughan said: "The whole aim is to have a traditional English village country pub. Affordable is key, we’re not going to be one of those expensive gastro pubs. Emphasis will be on fresh local produce."

The group also hopes that the pub will become a community focus and a meeting place for local groups.

The Fleece Inn in Hillesley will re-open on Friday, July 27.

For more information about The Fleece Inn or to get involved in the project visit www.TheFleeceInnHillesley.com