The best part of a year after it was hit by a devastating flood, a popular pub has re-opened for business.

The Fenn Bell Inn was submerged in January after torrential overnight rain saw the water reach almost 2ft high around the pub and zoo.

The Fenn Bell Inn pours first pint

Speaking of re-opening, owner Andy Cowell said: "It is very exciting but it is also emotional because a lot of people have put a lot of work into actually getting the pub reopened.

"It has been an absolute nightmare for 18 months, almost two years really with everything else going on. We are just glad that we have come through it."

At the time he described the scene as "soul destroying" and said he would "fight to the dying end" to keep the business going.

The pub and conservation project struggled financially due to the lockdowns as well as the flooding but has been able to open thanks to raising more than £70,000.

Connor Gordon, of Fenn Bell Conservation Project, added: "We have both worked together to support each other so the fear was is that if we could not get that back up and running then we would ultimately have to close the zoo.

"To see them have to give that up and just let it go down the pot was absolutely heartbreaking. But with the support that we did receive everything has been on an uphill battle from then."

The zoo was able to welcome visitors back in May and has recently introduced a flamboyance of flamingos.

Andy added: "What I am looking forward to most is just seeing all those people back, the glue that sticks everything together and it is all part of the zoo so it is a fantastic thing to finally get it back open."

And it seems the locals have also missed the pub. One said: "I am really excited for this place to be open again. It is nice to have a local pub to go back to now and just in time as well."

Another added: "After all the troubles they have gone through it is nice to be able to come back in and sit down and socialise."

One woman shared their sentiment: "It is quite a nice, family-run place as well so it is very welcoming, very homey which is good when you come her with your family because you always feel welcome."

Her friend said: "It has definitely been missed."

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