The first pint has been served at a village pub saved from closure following a community effort to buy it.

The George in Bethersden closed almost three years ago during the second lockdown, sparking the start of a long battle to bring it back into use.

Fearing the pub could be demolished or transformed, a group of residents came together to form The George Community, and raised £300,00 to purchase the inn as a community asset.

The keys were handed over in February and now, after four months of essential repairs, rewiring and renovations, the venue opened its doors on Friday, May 26.

Resident Terry Price drank the first pint served on opening day after winning the honour in a raffle.

It was served by Ashford MP Damian Green who then declared the pub officially open, after the Rector of Bethersden, High Halden and Woodchurch, Rev Sue Rose, gave a blessing.

Reflecting on the pub opening, chair of The George Community, Robin Draper said: ”We’ve been on an incredible journey in the last two years to bring The George back to life. "Raising the money was in many ways the easiest part.

"Countless hours of work by so many people both trades people and volunteers have brought us here and we can’t thank everyone enough.

"It means the world to have our pub open and to be able to expand on what we can offer to the village community for many years to come.“

At the moment, the 17th century venue is operating as a ‘wet pub’ – drinks only - as the kitchen needs additional work.

However a cafe-style service will be available at the end of the month, with hot food expected by the end of the year.

There is beer on tap from Romney Marsh and Longman as well as Harvey’s Brewery; regular guest ales; sparkling wine from Chapel Down, and snacks from Kent Crisps.

The pub will now be run as a community enterprise with plans to become a social hub for the village.

This will include having a cafe; offering other community support services, such as meals on wheels, and making grants to local community groups from future profits.

The pub’s new general manager, Bee Lewis, joined the team in mid-May from a role in Sussex.

In a Q&A on the George Community website, she says: “Even before I came to my interview, I could tell how much The George meant to everyone and that was very influential in my decision to apply.

“This has been reinforced by the warm welcome I've had from the residents that I have already met.

“I love the fact that the village has pulled together to create this fantastic idea of a community pub.

“Having been in a small village where the pub has closed, I know the impact of that loss.

"And this is what I am most looking forward to being part of: giving back the heart and soul to the village with the reopening of The George.”