A COMMUNITY pub saved by villagers has celebrated six years of pulling pints.

The Cross Pub in Great Bromley was saved from closure in 2016 and is still going strong.

Now, more than ever, the pub needs volunteers, helpers, and sponsors to ensure it keeps running and that the building is maintained.

The management team is planning to raise cash to repair old and damaged roof tiles.

Since it was saved, the popular pub has operated as a community hub with a small library and occasional post services, thanks to the help of local residents.

Led by volunteers, the pub aims to bring the community together and also hosts coffee mornings and charity events.

Linda Pinhey, a member of the original Save the Bromley Pub initiative and current marketing team member, said: "The pub has evolved from nothing.

"You can always come down, and there will be someone to talk to as the community is so welcoming."

The pub management tries to help and support everyone in the community.

Numerous clubs and teams use it as a social and meeting place and, together with the pub customers, enjoy a wide variety of regular events.

After a temporary closure due to the Covid pandemic, the management team has re-energised the venue - and while inflation was low the pub was able to cut its prices.

The shareholders and management are now trying to introduce new ideas to encourage more people to enjoy their community spirit. 

They plan to present gift cards, a Christmas market and charity events, as well as a casino night to celebrate the sixth anniversary in December.

It will include blackjack, poker and roulette. 

Paul Francis, a member of the pub's team, said: "We are passionate about what we are doing and the pub is so close to the community.

"I can walk down my street when I have a bad day and complain to someone else at the pub.

"Sometimes you go in for one drink and stay for the whole night."

The team is now looking to employ a full-time manager to take care of renting the flat above the pub and keeping the pub open for longers hours.