Hopes and dreams of returning the Erwarton Queen's Head into a functioning pub once more took a step forward last night when more than 80 people packed into a public meeting.

Five of the six committee members from the The Friends of the Erwarton Queen's Head explained how they looking to raise £400,000 to buy the pub and make it a community hub during the 90 minute gathering in Harkstead village hall.

Led by chairman William Wrinch who set the scene and gave potted history of the pub, the group gave a presentation and answered questions expanding how they were looking to set up a community benefit society to raise funds and run the venture.

Treasurer Steve Smith outlined how £1 shares would be offered, with a minimum of £100 and a maximum of £10,000, to the community.

He explained that the group hoped to get as much match funding as possible, including up to 50% from the government's

The group are being supported by the Plunkett Foundation and have the backing of Babergh council.

Graham Aubery outlined how a surveyor from the Plunkett Foundation found the pub to be in relatively good condition, and even though a bit of work, including putting in a bar, would be needed to be done, they anticipate the Queen's Head could be open for business within three months of the purchase.

Members of the audience asked a range of questions regarding the state of the current building, projected costs, the share issue, tenancy and use of the pub space once reopened.

They heard from Ian Evans, a director of the Brook pub in Washbrook, which was bought by the community through the use of shares but went down the limited company business route, who urged people to get behind the committee with action.

He also outlined the importance of having a unique selling points, such as the Brook's completely gluten-free menu, and how food compared to wet sales had switched to 70-30, from the previous 30-70 ratio.

Among the benefits of having a pub in a village could see an increase of hours prices by an average of £30,000, the meeting was told.

Committee members handed out an information sheet, which also included a questionnaire so they could gauge opinion and get feedback on what the community wanted.

A call for additional committee members garnered four more volunteers and supporters are encouraged to register their interest online.

Save Erwarton Queens Head group website here