The landlord of a 12th century pub in mid Suffolk  has said winning an esteemed ROSE award was a "pleasant surprise".

The Four Horseshoes Inn in Thornham Magna, near Eye, won a VisitEngland award earlier in September and was one of only three holiday spots in Suffolk to be recognised.

The pub is thought to date back to the 12th century, but the owner, Tom Parkhurst, took over the thatched venue in 2008 when he was just 19.

Mr Parkhurst was one of the youngest publicans in the country when he decided to take on the Four Horseshoes - and said the award came at the perfect time.

The Four Horseshoes Inn winning a ROSE awardThe Four Horseshoes Inn winning a ROSE award (Image: The Four Horseshoes Inn) Reflecting on what has been a "cracking time", Mr Parkhurst said: "The award was the icing on the cake on what has been a very busy summer.

"We definitely have that community feel. You dedicate blood, sweat and tears, it's to know you're bringing comfort to people.

"We have people who work away from home and stay with us in the week, I hope we contribute to them doing a good job in their day jobs because they come back to  comfortable and clean setting."

READ MORE: Three Suffolk holiday spots listed as VisitEngland winners

The 40-person team working at the pub varies between staff that work 60-hour weeks to youngsters doing one shift a week, and Mr Parkhurst said he feels proud the team genuinely care about the guests.

He said: "It’s hard to say what’s coming next, lockdown was so difficult for the hospitality trade.

"I'm just so pleased to be almost back to normal, we look forward to Christmas, then Valentine's Day, then Easter, there's a sense of normality again."