Work has begun on a �1.3m revamp to bring a former town centre pub back to life.

National pub chain JD Wetherspoon is set to open the former Red Lion on the Market Square in Thetford in July, creating 40 jobs.

The company, known for its cheap-priced beer and food, will completely refurbish the building, which is owned by the town council.

Thetford mayor Derek Mortimer said: “By having a national company bring this development about it will invigorate the town centre which can only be a benefit for Thetford as a whole.”

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said the building would become would be a “first class” pub.

A name is yet to be chosen but will relate to historic links in the town.