A brewery is searching for the "right people" to secure the future success of a Suffolk pub that is set to close on Friday after more than 200 years.

Earlier this week, this newspaper revealed how landlord James Dixson announced on social media site Facebook that the Half Moon in Walton High Street would be closing "its doors for the last time" at 11pm on October 25.

However, brewer Adnams, which owns the premises, is looking to either find new tenants or sell the pub as a freehold sale.

READ MORE: Half Moon pub in Walton Suffolk to close after 200 years

Nick Attfield, director of hospitality and retail at Adnams, said: “Adnams is working with our current tenants at The Half Moon to find a new custodian for the pub.

"This may be with new tenants or could be a freehold sale. It absolutely depends on finding the right people to ensure the future success of this pub for its operators and the local community.”

The announcement of the pub's closure sparked sadness among Facebook users at the apparent closure of a long-standing pub.

One poster said: "This is really sad. Was in there last week, lovely atmosphere, busy, good pint.

READ MORE: New owners of Suffolk Half Moon pledge 'traditional pub'

"Light and day compared to the shocking state of it when you took it over."

Another said: "That's terrible news. You and your team have worked so hard to improve everything. So sorry."

In November, this newspaper reported how Mr Dixson had taken over the Half Moon with the aim to make it a venue for events, including charity fundraisers, as well as a traditional ale drinkers pub.

Previously, Mr Dixson and his wife Tina had run the Falcon Inn opposite the Half Moon and saw an opportunity to turn their new acquisition into a community pub.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news