Celebrations as The Clock pub in Chideock reopens 15 months after devastating fire

Mike Long, owner of The Clock in Chideock watched as his family home and business burnt down on Easter Monday, 2015. But Mr Long said the pub would be rebuilt, and he finally reopened The Clock to the public on Friday.

Mr Long made up for lost time at the weekend, with the Clock open from 5pm on Friday until 5 .32am into Saturday, from 12pm on Saturday until 4.06am into Sunday, as well as a further 12 hours on Sunday.

Over the weekend, Mr Long believes between 500 and 600 people visited The Clock, including guests from as far away as Liverpool making the journey.

He said: "If they wanted to carry on drinking I would have let them.

"I was absolutely in my element. There was such a buzz again and I just love doing what I do best and getting behind the bar."

Mr Long has faced a "hard battle" to rebuild The Clock after issues with his insurance company - but was able to rebuild the village pub with the help of fundraising by the local community.

He said: "I have fought a hard battle with people working hard and we finally got the assistance we needed to get the building going.

"At times it has been really hard and I have needed real pick me ups. I am so proud of what we have achieved. The village and the community came together to help me and my family out and I am proud we have given them back their local pub and finish what I said I was going to do."

Mr Long said despite the rebuilt pub and family home, it still feels like the same building.

He added: "At times I wondered if it was worth it.

"I said we would come back bigger and stronger and I believe we have.

"Living in our temporary home was like we were on holiday, but now we are back in familiar surroundings. The girls have settled fantastically well and are really happy and feel safe."