A fundraising campaign to buy a village pub for the community has been kick-started with a £500 charity grant.

Eastern Daily Press: The Jolly Farmers in Swanton Abbott. Picture: Richard DixonThe Jolly Farmers in Swanton Abbott. Picture: Richard Dixon (Image: Archant)

Residents aim to buy Swanton Abbott's only pub, the Jolly Farmers, but need to raise about £250,000 in just six months.

Power to Change, a charity that supports community businesses, has awarded a £500 seed fund grant to the fundraising campaign.

Gill Kimmerling, clerk to Swanton Abbott Parish Council, said: 'It's a great boost to our confidence to receive this grant, even before we have set up our organisation.

'We have a second meeting on January 8 to set up a steering group to start fundraising.'

The pub has been registered with North Norfolk District Council as an asset of community value.

Current landlord and owner Les Christman did not wish to comment.

Are you setting up a community business? Email Robert@robertashton.co.uk to find out about the help available.