The new landlord and lady of a popular pub are hoping to once again make it the centre of village life.

Eastern Daily Press: The Half Moon pub in Rushall is set to reopen in December after being closed for a year. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Half Moon pub in Rushall is set to reopen in December after being closed for a year. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Husband and wife duo Ray Paul and Sarah Campbell-Jones are the new owners of the Half Moon in Rushall, near Harleston, which has been closed to the public for a year.

The pair said they are excited about their new venture at the 17th century pub which has extra significance for Mrs Campbell-Jones.

'Since I was a five-year-old my family have used this pub so I had an emotional attachment to it,' she said. 'We used to come here for all our birthdays and celebrations.

'It is a nice opportunity to put life back into a fantastic building and hopefully we can do it justice because it had such a lovely reputation.'

Eastern Daily Press: The new landlord and lady of the Half Moon said they will refurbish the seven letting bedrooms at the back of the pub. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe new landlord and lady of the Half Moon said they will refurbish the seven letting bedrooms at the back of the pub. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The couple will be busy at work over the next couple of weeks redecorating and furnishing the pub in time for the planned opening date of the first weekend in December.

They plan to keep the conservatory as the restaurant area and the bar area next to the open fire, but will create a couple of snug areas which were not open to public before.

Local ales will be on tap and food will be served all week, including Sunday lunch.

Mrs Campbell-Jones, who has worked in the catering industry for 19 years, said: 'People knew it as a real traditional pub so we still want to be able to offer that but with a few modern twists.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside the Half Moon pub which has been closed for a year but is set to reopen in December. Picture: ANTONY KELLYInside the Half Moon pub which has been closed for a year but is set to reopen in December. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

'I want it to be the hub of the village. It is for the community and I love village life.'

The couple, who currently live in Pulham Market, said during Christmas they will be asking customers' views on what they would like to see on the regular menu.

Mrs Campbell-Jones, who used to run the Harlston Swan Hotel, said it has always been her dream to open a pub.

Mr Paul is a retired London firefighter.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside the Half Moon pub which has been closed for a year but is set to reopen in December. Picture: ANTONY KELLYInside the Half Moon pub which has been closed for a year but is set to reopen in December. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

'We have been looking constantly for a couple of years for a property,' Mrs Campbell-Jones, 41, said. 'We love this area and we wanted to stay here. We cannot wait to welcome all the regular and new customers back through the doors.'

The pub has seven letting bedrooms which will be refurbished and outdoor eating areas and a play area will be created.

Eastern Daily Press: The Half Moon pub has new owners. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Half Moon pub has new owners. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)