The White Horse in Stoke Ash has seen the return of some original features, thanks to the vision of its landlords, Shane Aldridge and Anne Cronin.

Nearly £80,000 has been spent trying to recreate the pub in the image of a photo of the building dated 1886.

Work started in November to replace windows, roof tiles and re-point the ornate chimney stacks.

The plain windows, believed to have been put in some 60 years ago have been replaced with handmade lead windows, with traditional Norwich blacksmith Keith Nelson making the frames, catches and other fittings.

The front facing part of the roof now has handmade clay tiles, in the style of how the pub, which dates back to 1647, may have looked.

Mr Aldridge said: "It is fantastic because this is part of an ongoing project to improve the pub. It has taken us a number of years to establish ourselves as a business to afford the work.

"The option was there to just keep repairing the pub but what we have tried to do is grab and save a part of its original character.

"Future generations will now not be able to change it because it is listed. Some of the changes that have occurred to this building over the years should not have happened.

"We have spent £300,000 since we've been here. It is now a different pub to the one we bought."

Mr Aldridge, 34, worked as a pot washer at the pub as a 15-year-old and bought the White Horse eight years ago.

He said: "I came back because I always loved the pub and it was always my aim to improve it and see it restored."

The couple also consulted with building conservation experts at Mid Suffolk District Council to make sure the correct materials were used for the project.

luke.page@dissexpress.co.uk