The new landlord of a pub has today called on locals to help make it a thriving community local once again.

The Bull, the only pub left in the heart of Hellesdon, has had a somewhat troubled past with a succession of different people taking over the helm of the Middleton's Lane pub, which closed for a number of months in 2011.

John Bunkell is the new man in charge of the Enterprise Inns-owned pub and said he wanted to bring it back to its 'rightful position as a mainstay of the Hellesdon community' – but needed local people to support him.

He said: 'It's had a checkered history over the last number of years and what I want to try and do is bring it back as a community pub.

'We want this to be a community pub where you can bring your children, your grandchildren, your grandmother and grandfather.

'But we can only make it happen if we get the support of the locals.'

Mr Bunkell, who has been at the pub since June, said he has worked hard in that time to improve the facilities. He has opened the kitchen again, serving hot meals, and will have a Christmas menu available from Wednesday. In the evenings, he has brought back live music and is looking to introduce a good quality wine list.

Mr Bunkell also wants to make more of the pub's 'huge garden' and said the pub was looking at getting involved in bringing back Hellesdon Carnival – which did not go ahead this year – in future years.

Pub regular, Andy Cornfield, 27, from Hellesdon, said: 'We've got the right man in here now and he will look after it so it's good.'

The Bull will host a charity night on Thursday in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance which will include a quiz, raffle and appearance by a community choir.

The Evening News has been urging people to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign. To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal

Is your pub holding a special event or undergoing refurbishment? Email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk