A pub which closed its doors after going into receivership is open once again thanks to the efforts of 10 villagers who bought it and turned it around.
The Sun Inn in Kislingbury, a Grade II listed building, reopened today after several months of refurbishment work by five couples, who now own it.
The ribbon was cut by village resident Merv Collins, aged 71, who has been coming to the pub for more than 60 years.
Mr Collins also pulled the first pint - his favourite Greene King IPA.
He said: “It is very nice. It has been worth the wait for it to reopen. It will definitely be appreciated by the locals.
“Full credit to all the people involved. They have worked like mad and done a lovely job with it.
“It would have been very sad if it had stayed closed.”
The ten Kislingbury residents behind the pub are Ray and Pat Moore; their daughter Zara Haines and her husband Michael; Nick and Mel Bowler; Paul Huband and Elaine Roughley, and Steve and Debbie Smith.
Mr Bowler said: “I think we are a bit overwhelmed. Everyone has said such good things.
“We knew it was going to be hard as everyone has two jobs. I felt a bit relieved this morning, but I’m excited and I’m glad everyone is here.”
Mr Haines said: “Everyone has been so positive, and can’t believe what has been done in such a short space of time. We’ve had a lot of good comments about the real ale.”
The pub is a free house with a selection of real ales and keg beers, and the owners hope it will also become a village hub for community groups to use.