Campaigners will now be able to restore a fire-ravaged village pub that would have been "lost forever" after hitting their £1.5million fundraising goal.

A community group set up to save The George in Wickham Market has announced that the 16th century, Grade II-listed building will now be saved as a "people's pub" after additional funding was secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to reach the target.

READ MORE: More cash needed to restore The George pub at Wickham Market

A spokesman for the group said: “Without the success of this project, this important Grade II listed building would have been demolished and lost forever.

"We can now ensure that The George will be saved to serve many generations to come.

"As an inclusive, friendly place to meet and eat with friends and family it will be the ‘peoples pub’ and the heartbeat of a thriving village.

"We thank everyone that have helped with their belief and investment, including National Lottery players everywhere.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The George was devastated by fire in 2013The George was devastated by fire in 2013 (Image: Archant)In April, the EADT reported that building costs for the restoration had come in higher than expected due to inflation and extra money was being sought from the lottery fund.

READ MORE: How Wickham Market pub got a budget boost from Chancellor

A £988,200 grant had already been secured from the lottery, with a further £550,000 coming from shareholders' funds, the Community Share Booster Programme, Co-Op Finance and other grant providers.

In addition, £195,000 was awarded through the Community Ownership Fund set up by the Government's Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities.

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

The pub has remained closed ever since the fire in 2013 and the fully-fitted pub is expected to reopen in autumn 2024.

However, a community room and visitor centre on the building's first floor will be open sooner - in spring 2024.

Downstairs there will be a bar, restaurant, modern kitchen and beer garden, while upstairs there will be a purpose-built community space accessible by lift and stairs.

A programme of well-being activities for the whole community is in development and will be funded by the pub, with the aim to create an inclusive place to meet and socialise.