A pub in a Norfolk village that closed earlier this month has announced it is to reopen after locals helped it pay off a huge tax bill.

The owners of the Horse and Groom, in Rollesby, shut its doors at the beginning of March after receiving a demand for £3,000 in unpaid council tax.

Sarah and Paul Longley say the bill was for an unused flat above the pub and described it as the "straw that broke the camel's back".

But the decision saddened locals, reluctant to lose their village pub, and a crowdfunding campaign was launched to raise the £3,000.

It has now reached its target and the owners say the pub will reopen on March 31.

READ MORE: The Horse and Groom pub in Rollesby announces closure

"It's been lovely - my husband and I were shocked at how much goodwill there is in the community," Mrs Longley said.

"The outpouring from so many people that wanted us to stay open was a bit of a push for us to soldier on.

"We have also had support from people wanting to help with voluntary bar shifts and maintenance and we have a team of people coming to help 'spruce up' the front which will be another step in the right direction."

READ MORE: GoFundMe petition set up to help save Horse and Groom

She added: "We're slimming down on how many hours we are open so we can look after ourselves a bit more.

"Before we were open longer hours to try to make more money but stretching ourselves thin, so the plan is to keep doing what we're doing well but focusing on fewer days.

"We'll still be doing the breakfasts and opening as a tearoom but we'll start slowly and build up as and when."

The couple are hopeful the reopening weekend will go well.

"There's been lots and lots of enquiries and bookings so we think it will be a good weekend," she added.