A diving team from Ipswich has been given the unusual task of emptying a wishing well at a pub in Eye.

The well, which sits within The Four Horseshoes pub in Eye, was last emptied 12 years ago.

Today a diving team from Ipswich undertook the task of emptying the well.

Tom Parkhurst, landlord at the Four Horseshoes, has been there for almost ten years.

“We thought it was well worth time we got the well emptied,” said Mr Parkhurst, “they are doing a really thorough job of digging in to all the coins in the bottom.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“There’s plenty down there.”

The last time it was emptied around £1500 was found at the bottom of the pub’s well.

“We’re hoping to break £2000 this time,” said Mr Parkhurst.

Mr Parkhurst said that the Four Horseshoes were lucky to have the well which has become a focal point.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“It’s one of the things we are famous for. The pub with the wishing well in the restaurant.

“The kids love it and every day people are making wishes and throwing money in the well.”

David Swain from Ipswich based DiveLine took on the task of diving into the well.

Mr Swain said: “It’s all underneath you and there is no room to get down there.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“It was like lying on a big bed of money.

“I’ve been in shipwrecks and submarines and stuff like that but never a well before.

“It was a new experience.”

Money from the well will now be split at least four ways between local charities.

East Anglian Daily Times: Many different items have ended up down the well over the years including a phone, cutlery and glasses. Picture: GREGG BROWNMany different items have ended up down the well over the years including a phone, cutlery and glasses. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The Street Forge Workshop in Thornham will receive some of the money from the wishes as well as The Walled Garden.

Marathon runner Kevin Cook will also be receiving a donation towards his efforts to fundraise for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mr Cook lost his son, Jack, to cancer two years ago and has already raised £6,300 for the charity.

“Tom’s always supported the charity and it’s very kind of him,” said Mr Cook.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured helping remove the coins is Mark Parkhurst. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured helping remove the coins is Mark Parkhurst. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before it’s absolutely brilliant.”

A final total for the amount of money found in the well is expected in a few weeks time.

Mr Swain will be back in the pub in a few weeks time to collect the rest of the money once the water has cleared a bit.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Left to right, landlord Tom Parkhurst and Kevin Cook. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe Four Horsehoes pub has a wishing well inside the building and a diving team from Ipswich are removing all the coins, with the proceeds going to charity. Left to right, landlord Tom Parkhurst and Kevin Cook. Picture: GREGG BROWN