The new landlords of Fakenham's oldest pub are celebrating becoming a permanent fixture in the town after their temporary lease was extended.The 400-year-old Star pub on Oak Street was at risk of being sold to developers before it was snapped up by the Admiral Taverns group and leased to Greg Southall and Toby Hutchins in June.

The new landlords of Fakenham's oldest pub are celebrating becoming a permanent fixture in the town after their temporary lease was extended.

The 400-year-old Star pub on Oak Street was at risk of being sold to developers before it was snapped up by the Admiral Taverns group and leased to Greg Southall and Toby Hutchins in June.

But the building was kept on the market until the new publicans could prove the re-opened Star would be a success.

And after three months of solid takings and well-supported events, Mr Hutchins said the building's owners had extended the pair's contract, securing their place in the community for the foreseeable future.

“The whole town knew we were on a six-month lease to start with, so we want everybody to know we are staying,” he said. “It is great news for us, and all the people who want to sign up for the pool teams and darts leagues.

“It is quite a success story with so many pubs closing down across the country. We have managed to get The Star off the market and so this is one pub which has definitely been secured.”

Mr Hutchins said regular events like karaoke nights and 1980s discos had brought previous regulars and new customers through the doors. There are also plans to refit the pub's kitchen to offer food.