Sunday drinkers end 300-year wait

The nearest alternative pub is five miles away

Pub-goers in a small village will be able to get a Sunday pint for the first time in 300 years this week.

A decree was issued by a landowner in the village of Enville, Staffordshire, in the 18th century, preventing the Cat Inn from opening on the Sabbath.

There are only thought to be a few pubs in the country with such a ban.

After taking over the pub in September, new owners Guy and Michelle Ayres successfully appealed to the landowner to revoke the ancient order.

Other places don't open on a Sunday but that's through choice - we're the only one in England that hasn't been allowed Michelle Ayres

As the only pub in the small village, the decision means locals will no longer have to travel five miles to the nearest alternative pub at Kinver, near Stourbridge.

Michelle Ayres said the news had been well received by locals.

"It's very exciting, history in the making," she said.

"Other places don't open on a Sunday but that's through choice."

The Enville and Stalybridge Estate, which owns 6,500 acres of land in Enville and south Staffordshire, say they agreed to revoke the ban because of changes in demand.