Members of a community group who rallied to save their village pub have spoken of their elation as the doors were once again opened to the public.

Eastern Daily Press: The reopening of the Cross Keys pub in Redgrave. Picture: Elaine Brown/Fiona KenworthyThe reopening of the Cross Keys pub in Redgrave. Picture: Elaine Brown/Fiona Kenworthy (Image: Archant)

For 11 months the community spirit in Redgrave, near Diss, shone as residents worked hard fundraising to save the Cross Keys.

The Redgrave Community Society Limited was formed to buy the pub as a community asset and in November they became owners of the Grade II listed building.

MORE - Villagers rally to save the Cross Keys pub

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross Keys pub in Redgrave which was saved by the community has reopened. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Cross Keys pub in Redgrave which was saved by the community has reopened. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

On Saturday night the drinks were once again flowing as the pub - which had been closed since October - celebrated its reopening.

Committee member Fiona Kenworthy said: 'We are really elated at the moment with how it has gone. It is a relief that we have reached the stage that we set out to. Everybody has been so complimentary.'

She added: 'The place was absolutely heaving. The doors opened at 5.30pm and people we queuing up to come in.

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross Keys pub in Redgrave. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Cross Keys pub in Redgrave. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

'It was lovely, the whole atmosphere, and there was a buzz.'

The new general manager is Georgina Earland and Naomi Miller-Howard is the head chef. The pair met at their previous job.

From Wednesday food will start being served, and will include light bites and snacks and traditional pub food.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in part of the building – which has a bar and restaurant area - and customers can enjoy tipples from Redgrave brewery Star Wing, Adnams and Green King.

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross Keys pub in Redgrave has reopened after it was saved by the community. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Cross Keys pub in Redgrave has reopened after it was saved by the community. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Mrs Kenworthy said she hopes the efforts of the community to save the Cross Keys, which has had some internal redecoration, can inspire others.

MORE - The Cross Keys Pub in Redgrave officially becomes the community's pub after they receive the keys

Eastern Daily Press: The Fox Inn, Garboldisham. Pictured from left to right; Sylvia Apps, Rodney Hinton, Peter Smith, director of the Garboldisham Fox Community Interest Company, Lynne Smith with Morgan the dog, and Martin Stockdale. Picture: Rebecca MurphyThe Fox Inn, Garboldisham. Pictured from left to right; Sylvia Apps, Rodney Hinton, Peter Smith, director of the Garboldisham Fox Community Interest Company, Lynne Smith with Morgan the dog, and Martin Stockdale. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

She said: 'I really hope that people who are in the same situation can look at us and it can act as an inspiration and think, 'yes, it can be done'.

'If you really want something you can make it happen. People have been so kind and helpful to us, so if there is any advice we could offer, we would be delighted to give a hand.'

And not happy with keeping their local open, the community group are looking into taking over the ownership of the village shop.

'The project now is to bring the community shop over and move it within the grounds of the pub.

'It will secure its future because at the moment it is on a lease.'

Visit Redgrave Community Society for more information.

The Fox Inn success

In 2016 a community group acquired The Fox Inn, Garboldisham, near Diss.

The village's pub had stood empty for nine years, during which the community fought hard to fend off applications to change the use of the pub and make it once again the heart of the community.

Their dream was achieved in October 2016 when the Garboldisham Fox Community Interest Company were given the keys to the Grade-II listed pub.

In December 2016 a micropub was launched for the villagers to enjoy the pub while works to restore the building take place.

It is now open three days a week and includes a gin bar and visiting food outlets.

The community group offered advice to the Redgrave residents about buying the pub.

Fundraising for the £180,000 saw £85,000 raised by the community, 66 people became shareholders, and the rest came from loans.

There are now 106 shareholders and 30 volunteers.

Visit Garboldisham Fox.