Supporters of a rescued village pub are trying to raise the final £70k they need to complete all the renovation works.

Locals bought the Framsden Greyhound near Debenham - formerly known as The Doberman - in April this year after forming a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society (CBS) to save it.

So far the group which has campaigned to buy then restore the ancient hostelry - which dates back to the 16th or 17th century - has raised £420k from grants and from selling shares to supporters.

Locals celebrating after buying the pub back in April (Image: Charlotte Bond) Their efforts have attracted the support of Sir David Jason, star of Only Fools and Horses, the cast of which visited the pub while filming in the area.

Work has been going on apace since the purchase of the pub - which had been empty for seven to eight years and was flooded in October 2023 during Storm Babet.

The flooring is in the process of being cleaned or fitted and over the weekend a team of volunteers cleaned the bar area and worked on the garden.

Now they hope to get the final works over the line through Crowdfunder. The restoration is being steered by a committee of eight directors, including Julia Hartley Green.

(Image: Charlotte Bond)

"We have got the quotations for the work - we just haven't pressed the button," she explained.

"The last £70k would allow us to to everything we need to do. It's easier to do it now rather than have to close the door (to carry out the works later)"

They have raised enough cash to date to open the pub but the £70k injection would enable them to finish the works completely, she explained.

The extra money would allow them to finish the upstairs accommodation, complete the car parking area, finish the kitchen and buy a woodburner.

They are hoping that people might like to purchase a share in the pub as a birthday or Christmas present.

The pub has hosted a series of pop-up events and is holding its first indoor event this Friday (November 1) from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. There will be a cash-only bar and as the heating has yet to go live guests are advised to wrap up warmly.

Villagers are planning to open the pub in time for the middle of December and the run-up to Christmas but it will be drinks only and weekend opening.

"It's hard work but a real community effort," said Julia. "It looks fantastic - it really does look good. You can really see it taking shape."

if you would like to find out more about the fundraiser, visit Crowdfunder or the Framsden Greyhound website.

The pub back in 1968 (Image: Framsden Greyhound)