AN historic Worcestershire pub is back in business after being devastated during the December floods.

The Rose and Crown in Severn Stoke was flooded on Christmas Day and water levels rose to 18 inches in the bar and four in the restaurant, forcing diners to abandon their lunches and head for higher ground.

Landlord and landlady Pete and Di Fryar continued living in the 16th century, Grade II listed building and the pub’s lounge bar is now open again thanks to help from local residents and support from Marston’s brewery.

The restaurant is set to follow within a month.

Mr Fryar explains: “Our guest areas were flooded for a full 10 days but thankfully the cellars, kitchen and stores were unaffected and we were able to continue living upstairs, although we had to wear waders to get out to the car park.

“Our regulars and local residents have supported us throughout, offering to help refurbish the premises and coming back in for a drink as soon as we re-opened. A local band is even putting on a free gig for our customers, on Friday,January 25.”

He added: “We missed out on the busiest time of year but so many local businesses were affected by the floods, we feel we have a strong community around us and are so happy to be back on our feet again.”

For more information, go to finepub.co.uk/roseandcrownsevernstoke or call 01905 371249.