A couple who have been running a west Suffolk pub for more than three decades have received a special long service award from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

Colin and Sue Pearce have now been tenants at the Greene King-owned Greyhound in Ixworth, near Bury St Edmunds, for 35 years.

“We first came to Ixworth with two young children in 1982 so it has been a long journey, but a hugely satisfying one,” said Colin. “We are delighted with how local people have embraced us in Ixworth to make this a genuine meeting place.”

The Greyhound includes a bar, a separate snug, and a restaurant, with families and dogs being welcome as part of the couple’s efforts build a “community” feel, along with traditional pub games including darts, dominos and crib league fixtures.

Despite having had his left leg amputated below the knee due to an illness, Colin cycles many miles each year and has regularly raised money for different charities, adding up to around £50,000 during his time at the pub.

Martin Bate, chair of the West Suffolk and Borders branch of Camra, said: “Colin and Sue have made the Greyhound the epitome of a community pub as successful tenants for 35 years.

“Our members voted the Greyhound Community Pub of the Year in 2016 and we were delighted to present this special award to recognise their dedication over so many years. This is a family friendly pub which appeals to drinkers of all ages with four hand pumps serving very good real ale.”

Clive Chesser, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, the Bury St Edmunds-based company’s leased and tenanted pubs division, added: “Completing 35 years behind the same Greene King bar is a fantastic achievement for Colin and Sue.

“They both know the value of ensuring a pub creates and sustains a community around it and this recognition from CAMRA confirms how successful they have been for so long.”

Colin and Sue are only the sixth tenants at the Greyhound in more than a century, with a history of the pub dating from the 1700s available to guests.