Old Coaching House owner Colleen Townsend this week described her 'devastation' at the loss of her home and livelihood.

The ancient Chudleigh pub was gutted by fire on Wednesday last week – and since then residents have rallied round to help.

This week, Mrs Townsend – in an interview with the Advertiser – said she had been 'in mourning, like i've lost a child'.

But she revealed that Christmas Day lunches will go ahead after the authorities cleared health and safety aspects.

She said: 'It's been devastating, terrible. I've been in mourning, like I've lost a child.

'I'm feeling more positive now as we are doing things to make the situation better.

'We've had 30 people from the community in helping us paint and clear up so we can open the function room. We're overwhelmed by the fact that people are being so helpful and generous.

FULL STORY IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION