The White Horse in West Row was faced with the prospect of closure following a lack of trade.

However, since the arrival of Geoff Clark and partner Lorraine Plant last June, the pub has gone from strength to strength and is once again a thriving part of the community.

"When we took over the pub, it was a dead dog," said Geoff. "Lorraine and I looked at each other and thought 'what have taken on here'.

"But since that day, trade has gone up and it didn't take long to double our customers."

Prior to taking over at the pub, 44-year-old Geoff ran a mechanical engineering firm in his former home town of Harlow, Essex.

"I did try to buy an old fire station and turn it in to a pub a few years ago but it never happened," he said.

"When this pub became available I thought it was the ideal opportunity to do what I had always wanted.

"And the villagers have been fantastic. They've really welcomed us and it is all about coming here with the right attitude."

The couple are currently hard at work trying to organise the Mildenhall Bike Show, formerly held at the Globe pub, with biker group Mad Mutts.

The event is due to take place on Sunday, June 22, with all proceeds going to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.