A couple behind a much-loved village pub are celebrating four decades in business.

Barry and Jane Waterman have been running The White Horse in Beyton, a staple in the village near Bury St Edmunds, for 40 years. 

The pair, who started running pubs with Greene King in Cambridge in 1977 before moving to the White Horse in 1984, are the longest-serving publicans in the West Suffolk and Borders branch of CAMRA.

Mr and Mrs Waterman are known for their real ale expertise, which has seen them win awards from CAMRA, and the White Horse itself as a dog friendly, family friendly and community-first local.

The pair were presented with a specially-made plaque to display at the pub to mark the anniversary.

East Anglian Daily Times: The pair were presented with a specially made plaqueThe pair were presented with a specially made plaque (Image: Greene King)

Mr and Mrs Waterman said: "We are so flattered to receive this plaque in recognition of our 40 years at the White Horse.

“Serving the local community has always been at the very core of how we run our businesses, and adapting to the needs of the community over the last 40 years has been key to our success.

“We’d like to thank all our customers and staff over the years – along with Greene King – for all their support."

Dan Robinson, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, said: "It is an absolute privilege to recognise Barry and Jane.

"Forty years of running The White Horse and 48 years of running pubs in partnership with Greene King is outstanding.

"I am proud to call them our partners and look forward to many more years of success together – serving the people of Beyton."

The landlords recently added a range of vegan dishes to the menu in line with growing consumer trends. 

The White Horse contains a 60ft well, which starts at the bar and goes to an underground stream.

It is thought the stream was the water source for a brewery that was on site at the pub in the 17th century, showcasing the pub's heritage.