An historic pub will reopen its doors on Friday after being shut for 17 months.

The Swan Inn in Loddon closed in September 2010 and there were fears that the deteriorating Grade II-listed property would not open again until two businessmen bought it.

Andrew Freeland, of Toft Monks, and Justin Fenwick, of Geldeston, joined forces to take on the pub in August, and after a complete refurbishment are ready to welcome the public again. The carpet has been ripped up, the ceiling replaced and old kitchen equipment thrown out as they have transformed the town centre pub.

Mr Freeland, 37, said there had been a lot of interest in the town, with people stopping to ask him about the freehouse.

He added: 'There is a lot of enthusiasm within the community for it being open, which is great. Hopefully we can provide what they are hoping we can.'

Mr Freeland, who runs Waveney Self Storage, previously owned a pub in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, but moved back to Norfolk when his wife became pregnant.

The father-of-two said: 'I promised I'd never get back into pubs, then four of five years later I find myself involved again.'

His family also runs Elms Barn Weddings, in Toft Monks.