A POPULAR village pub is changing hands after nearly two decades.

Dinnington Docks, a grade II listed building near Hinton St George, has sold for £385,000 to a new first-time buyer.

Previous owners Roger and Hilary Hardisty said they ‘loved every minute’ of running the village pub for the last 19 years.

Mrs Hardisty said: “We have loved every minute and hope the new owners, locals Matthew and his wife Michelle, enjoy it as much as we have.

“The business needs to move forward and be developed to ensure its successful future, without taking away the ambience and character of this traditional country village inn.”

Matthew Mills, who purchased Dinnington Docks, said he wants to ensure the pub remains a ‘landmark property’.

He added: “The Docks has always been a favourite, of mine and many locals too.

“ I’m looking forward to bringing it back to its former glory, developing the wet and food sales.

“We have exciting plans to restore and extend the building too, ensuring it remains an asset to the community and a landmark property.”

The pub, which was made famous after featuring on the Time Team TV programme after the discovery of the remains of a Roman villa, was sold through Christie & Co.

Nicholas Calfe, director based in Christie & Co’s Bristol office, said: “Village inns with such a rich history in the building and the local area are very special and Mr and Mrs Hardisty have done a fantastic job of running the business while maintaining the pubs traditional feel.

“I was delighted to help them find the right new set of hands to take over the reins and am sure that Dinnington Docks will only continue to go from strength to strength.

“Freehold pubs in the Somerset countryside continue to perform well, acting as hubs for the local community and typically are ideally placed for the high numbers of visitors who come to the area.”