A former pub in the heart of Thetford re-opened its doors to the public yesterday.

JD Wetherspoon spent �1.2m redeveloping the old Red Lion pub on the Market Place.

The new-look venue, which has kept the same name, features one bar, as well as a partially-covered beer garden and open-plan kitchen. Original flint walls have been maintained. Photos, local history and information boards relating to characters in the town are also on display.

Manager Nick Haste said: “I think the pub looks so amazing and we’ve got such high standards among our staff that people are coming out again into Thetford whereas it’s been a bit neglected in the past.

“We want to get the community back again and involved in raising money for our charity, Clic Sargent.”

The new pub will be open from 7am until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and from 7am until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.