A prominent village pub which unexpectedly closed after years of trading has reopened.

The Dukes Head in Sellindge has been taken over by brothers Barrie and Paul Thompson, who also own The Red Lion in Hythe.

It had sat empty for a number of months after it closed in September - leaving the village without a pub.

But the duo have now completed a refurbishment inside and out, installing new kitchen equipment and redecorating the A20 site.

Barrie, 45, who lives in Hythe said: “It’s going great - we’ve been getting great feedback since we opened which is exciting.

“We’re the only pub in Sellindge so it's good that people now have somewhere to go once again.

“I think everyone is pleased we’re open again - all the feedback has been great.”

Mystery surrounded why the pub shut in September, with villagers saying it was always busy.

But the brothers are now offering traditional pub food as well as pizzas from a stone baked oven.

They have also removed the old children’s play equipment and planted a flower garden.

Live music and quiz nights will also be introduced.

On the opening night on Saturday, March 30, a pizza buffet for more than 100 customers was put on, as well as music from duo Here Come the Girls.