A popular Nottinghamshire pub which closed and faced an uncertain future is set to re-open after a campaign to save it raised more than £300,000 in just a matter of weeks.
Villagers are now looking to find a suitable tenant to run The Reindeer Inn, in Main Street, Hoveringham, after pledging enough cash to buy the pub which closed at the turn of the year and was placed on the market in February.
Desperate to save the "unbelievably popular" boozer, the building owners agreed to sell it to villagers who needed to find around £320,000 to pay for the freehold and cover the additional costs.
Weeks after a campaign to save the pub was launched, the target has been reached.
Phil Newton, 71, of Hoveringham, who led the campaign, said there had been overwhelming support including from people living in the Trent Valley area as well as from residents of the Vale of Belvoir, on the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire border.
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"It's been an amazing journey and it's true to say quite humbling, with regard to the communities, to all those people who want to save the Reindeer. It's too good for words," said Mr Newton.
"We are now actively looking for a suitable tenant... to take up the tenancy and run the pub at a very, very competitive rent so they make a success of it.
"We are very, very serious in finding a tenant as quick as possible."
He clarified the money had been pledged without any fundraising events.
He added: "The Reindeer is a quintessentially English pub situated next to the cricket ground, a short distance from the River Trent.
"It's absolutely idyllic. It will be fantastic for everybody concerned.
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"Obviously, the residents will benefit, the many walkers we get will benefit and the many cyclists we get will benefit.
"Those that watch the cricket and those that play benefit. It's endless."
Speaking previously, Andrew Ludlow, secretary of the Nottingham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: "There have been a spate of individuals getting together and buying pubs for the community and this is something CAMRA has supported for a long time.
"It allows individuals to take control of their own destiny and guarantee the future of the pub, which is a focal and social point for a village.
"We wish them every success and will offer any help they need."
Anyone interested in becoming the tenant is asked to call Mr Newton on: 07769733772.
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