A former 18th century coach inn which closed last year has been brought back to life and is ready for business.

The Three Horseshoes in Briston, near Holt - formerly the Stracey Inn - re-opened on Friday after the building was renovated inside and out by its new owners.

Rob Eustace, 46, and his wife Sue, 42, bought the pub in August this year after living in the village for six years.

The building dates back to the 1880s and used to be one of five pubs in the village - it is now one of two.

Mr Eustace said: 'We saw the pub decline and felt it was too good an opportunity to let it go.'

The building was bought by the boxer John Stracey, former world Welterweight champion, in 1975. He changed the name from the Three Horseshoes to the John H Stracey pub.

It was then changed again to the Stracey Inn by its previous owners who bought the pub in 2006.

Mr Eustace said he decided to bring back the building's original name - the Three Horseshoes, to restore tradition.

Some 20 jobs have been created at the pub and the new owners will be serving food Monday to Sunday, as well as running a bed and breakfast service from next month.

The pair have spent thousands of pounds renovating the building inside and out and have future plans for the pub. They hope to create an extra five or six bed and breakfast rooms and expand the restaurant.

Mr Eustace added: 'People are really pleased to see the pub open again and we had really positive feeback from people in the village who came to the opening.'

The couple used to own a pub in Kent for 10 years but sold it in 1997.

To book a table at the pub, ring 01263 861621.