A Penkridge pub has reopened and another looks set to open its doors again by the weekend to the delight of villagers.

The Railway Inn, on Clay Street, is serving pints once more after owners Punch Taverns found a new licencee.

The picturesque Boat Inn, on the Cannock Road, is also expected to open by the weekend after a new licensee was found for the watering hole. Both pubs had closed over the August Bank Holiday weekend sparking fears the village may lose them forever.

The closures had upset regulars at the two pubs, who said it was a blow for the village economy.

Villager Dave Young, aged 39, who lives in Drake Avenue, said he was delighted by the news.

He said: “It is great to see the Railway Inn open once again.

“No-one wants to see traditional pubs close so this is great news. I am especially pleased that the Boat Inn will open again as I used to pop in there quite regularly. It is a really nice, friendly pub situated in a great location by the canal.

“I think there will be many villagers who will be delighted by the news.

“I think many people in the village thought they wouldn’t open again so it is a great surprise to see them trading once more.”

Louise Gaul, spokeswoman for Punch Taverns, said: “The Railway Inn is now open and trading once again which is fantastic news.

“There has been a lot of interest in The Boat Inn which is really good to see. Unfortunately, this has slightly delayed the re-opening process, but we are confident that the right candidate will be in place to re-open for this weekend.”

“As a company it is in our best interests to do all we can to ensure that community pubs such as these remain open for trade and we are delighted to have found new licensees for the pubs.”