At just 19, Tom Parkhurst is already living his dream, as landlord of the Four Horseshoes pub in Thornham Magna.
Having completed his GCSE exams at
Hartismere High School in Eye, Mr Parkhurst had planned to go to City College in Norwich, when he was offered the opportunity to work as trainee assistant manager at the pub by then owners Harry and Diane Leslie.
The opportunity would allow him to gain an NVQ qualification in hospitality management through Otley College, while doing the hands-on job.
Then the Leslies left the pub, leaving Tom the opportunity to take out a mortgage with his parents Mark and Marion to buy it.
"I've always been very ambitious, and it's paid off," he said. "I'm quite proud and very pleased with getting here.
"I've worked really hard. We want to get this place sorted, then who knows? Maybe I'll look for the next one," he said.
The full article contains 158 words and appears in Diss Express newspaper.
