Villagers have been toasting the official takeover of their historic pub.

Five years ago villagers stepped in to run The Norton on a voluntary basis after plans had been in the pipeline to knock it down and replace it with houses.

After raising £125,000 through a community share hold and obtaining a mortgage, residents managed to buy the pub last week.

Paul Guppy, who is responsible for the licence, said: “It’s a thriving community asset.

“It’s more than just a boozer.

“Now we’re the owners and before we were short term tenants.

“It’s been hard work getting there."

The pub cost £285,000 and more than 80 shareholders came forward to invest.