A village pub is set to close its doors as the venue's owners decide to sell up because of ill health.

The Mill Café Bar and Restaurant in Yaxham, near Dereham, is closing today.

Husband-and-wife team Hugo and Anna Stevenson purchased the pub in October 2011 and reopened it in time for Christmas that year.

Under their ownership, the establishment has been recognised in the EDP Future 50 and also won an award for exceptional food safety.

But Mr Stevenson has been ill for some time and the couple have now put the business up for sale.

Father-of-two Mr Stevenson said: 'We are extremely sad to have to make this decision and would like to thank our many loyal customers and our incredible staff for their overwhelming support.

'It has been a privilege to be part of this community and we hope that someone will take ownership of the pub and love it as much as we have.'

The Mill is the last remaining pub in the village after the Lord Nelson was converted into a house. Both Yaxham Waters and Yaxham Social Club are licensed venues.

Mrs Stevenson, who runs PR and marketing firm Stevenson Consulting, said: 'As anyone in this industry knows, being a pub landlord is an incredibly demanding, physical role and, sadly, despite battling on for over a year, my husband's health has deteriorated.

'However, we are confident that with the right treatment and the opportunity to recuperate, he will fully recover.

'I would like to add my thanks to all those who have supported us over the last few years.'

The Mill will remain available for private hire for parties and meetings, and all existing group bookings are being honoured.

Are you trying to save a community facility? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk