A COMMUNITY has rallied to ensure the swift re-opening of a fire-damaged village pub.

Around 20 locals of the Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton lent a hand at the weekend, cleaning and tidying up the damage caused when the 17th century pub's thatched roof caught fire last week.

And their work was rewarded with plenty of liquid refreshment.

Barbara Cossins, who runs the pub with her husband James, said: "We've been working like crazy.

"I'm lucky I've got most of my business left - the Fire Brigade did a good job of stopping it spreading.

"Lots of the villagers have been helping - they've been cleaning all the glasses and the kitchen and tidying up because black soot got absolutely everywhere.

"Everyone has been working hard and pulling together.

"They've been fantastic - they made us cakes and bacon butties. And we've been partying hard."

Around 80 firefighters fought the flames as they tore through the roof.

Although the front of the pub appears badly damaged, the kitchen, restaurant, function room, guest-rooms and a small bar, although affected by smoke, were not damaged by fire.

Barbara said: "We've been working hard to re-open the pub so we can bring the community back together. Everyone has totally missed it.

"I want to honour all the functions such as weddings."

This is the third chimney fire at the pub in 12 years and work is underway to investigate the cause.

The pub hopes to open to the public some time this week.