A pub in Thorney Toll is to begin its new life as a function and banqueting hall from next month.

The Black Hart pub, which was closed four years ago, has been bought by businessman Siva Narayan is to transform the building and surrounding land into a hall for gala weddings and banquets.

Mr Narayan, a banker from Sri Lanka, is to launch his new venture, Emperor Function and Banqueting Hall, at the beginning of July and has a big incentive for any potential customers.

He said: “I own an island in Sri Lanka, and I’m offering a free honeymoon on the island to anyone who has their wedding at the venue.

“I want to offer the local people the chance of a high quality product but at a low price.”

Mr Narayan also believes the opening of the hall could create up to 60 jobs in the area.

Fenland District Council had previously refused to allow change of use at the pub before Mr Narayan purchased it in March.

Plans had been submitted by developers to demolish the pub and build six homes in March 2015, but were rejected by the council as they believed it was still viable and still had commercial use.