The owner of a village bed and breakfast has been given permission to serve alcohol - despite strong opposition from the neighbouring pub.

At a North Norfolk District Council licensing hearing, Audrey Buxton was granted the licence for Melody House, Station Road, Great Ryburgh.

The bid was opposed by James Lee, owner of the Blue Boar Inn, who said he might have to close his business if the licence was allowed.

But the licensing sub-committee heard that competition was 'not a consideration', and heard from Mrs Buxton that she simply wanted to offer alcohol with meals for her guests.

Granting the application in full, sub-committee chairman Richard Price said: 'This appears to be a well run business seeking flexibility. There is no evidence of rowdy behaviour, nuisance or safety issues.'

Earlier, Mrs Buxton said: 'I have been giving complimentary wine to my guests and I realised I'm breaking the law. So I took legal advice and was advised to get a licence.'

Mr Lee, who bought the 328-year-old Blue Boar Inn five years ago, has written to NNDC to ask for information about how he could remove his pub's licence and change its use.

In an earlier letter, Mr Lee wrote: 'When pubs close they very rarely reopen.'