VILLAGERS in Combe are celebrating after the community’s only pub reopened under new ownership.

The Cock Inn closed in March after brewer Greene King put it up for sale.

But it is open for business again after journalists Andrew Smith and Victoria Frazer-Smith took the plunge to join the licensed trade.

Mr Smith, who is business editor of the Witney Gazette, said: “We visited the pub in January and fell in love with the place. The villagers were so welcoming and have given us fantastic support since we opened.

“The Cock Inn has seen a succession of landlords in recent years but hopefully we can bring some stability as a free house.”

The couple, who have moved into the pub with 18-year-old daughter Livvi, are selling a range of real ales and wines and will start providing food from next Wednesday.

They have refurbished and redecorated the bar and lounge of the Grade II-listed building to provide contemporary touches while retaining original features.

Mrs Frazer-Smith said: “It has been a really exciting time for us and we have been touched by the warm welcome we have received.”