A COMMUNITY-OWNED pub in Gloucestershire is set to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its opening.

To celebrate their milestone, staff and regulars at The Fleece Inn in Hillesley, one of Britain's first community pubs are holding a beer, cider and music festival.

The pub was bought by village residents in 2012 and locals say it is now the thriving heartbeat of the community.

In 2018 CAMRA recognised The Fleece, which serves a wide range of food, drink and ales, as the Best Pub in the South West. The pub has also received a visit from HRH Prince of Wales.

Tristan Moore, current chair of Hillesley Community Pub Ltd (HCPL), said: "Losing the village pub can rip the heart out of a small community. So the story of The Fleece, and its rescue by the village, is one of revival.

“The village had gradually lost all its amenities when the pub company collapsed, putting the pub and the viability of the village, in jeopardy.

“With input from organisations such as The Pub Is The Hub we formed HCPL, bought the freehold, and set about creating the pub we wanted - The Fleece has become a thriving hub at the heart of village life.”

In 2021 Rebecca and Mykel Cameron took over the running of the Fleece, they said running community-led events is key to the pubs success.

Rebecca said: “We run frequent music evenings featuring local talent, and have also increased our range of food options, with a new chef at the helm and our bbqs are going down a treat.

"We have been here for less than a year but already getting great feedback.”

Local resident Phil Frankland added: "When the pub was saved it effectively saved the village.

"The cricket, tennis, darts, music, bridge nights, social gatherings, festive periods, coffee mornings were at the centre of village life.

"All of these have been restored and over the 10 years enhanced. Visiting sports clubs, musicians, and Cotswold Way walkers all comment what a friendly and welcoming bunch we are. Here’s to the next 10 years!”

The festival will be held from July 22 to 24.