Villagers turned out in force yesterday for the spectacular sight of a Suffolk hunt and the re-opening of their cherished pub.

The Cretingham Bell, which has been bought by the owners of a golf club, opened to welcome the Easton Harriers with their horses and hounds at the start of their New Year’s Day hunt.

Hundreds of people attended, with many making use of the pub, too.

Donal Young, an active member behind plans to purchase the pub on behalf of the community, said: “It was great to see the pub being supported by people from the village and people from all around the area – it’s been a brilliant success and we now look forward to the future.”

This month work will take place to repair windows and replace some roof tiles, with some limited opening of the pub on specified days, with it then reopening fully next month.