http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8422145.stm
A Salford pub which was bought by its regulars after the brewery decided to sell-up has reopened for business.
Drinkers at The Star Inn, in Broughton, loved their local so much they paid at least £200 each to buy it at auction.
About 50 shareholders are now involved and the cash will be used - along with any profits - to maintain the building and support community projects.
Speaking after the opening, shareholder Margaret Fowler said: "It's just the most fantastic feeling, it really is."
She added: "It's gone really well. We were up at the crack of dawn putting everything together but we've had a steady stream of people to have a look, and have a laugh and a drink.
"There is so much work that has gone in, but it's been shared by so many people.
"We've ended up with something that we are so proud of and everyone is just so pleased to be back in."
'Started from scratch'
Shareholders have spent the past few weeks refitting the building ahead of its official reopening at lunchtime.
About 30 people banded together initially, but since the sale was completed on 6 November the number of shareholders has risen.
They will continue to maintain the building and the running of the pub has been handed over to live-in manager - and fellow shareholder - Rick Haughton.
"When Robinsons pulled out of the pub they stripped everything, so rather than just come into a pub that's already got the kit, we've literally started from scratch," he said.
Regulars have been helping to restore the pub's original features, down to the bells previously used to get the attention of passing waitresses.
But some amenities have been brought into the 21st Century, Mr Haughton said.
"For the first time the ladies toilets are moving inside, as opposed to the old way of the gents having an indoor loo and the ladies had an outdoor.
"Hopefully, we'll start getting the wives back in as opposed to just being a lads pub."
Drinkers at The Star Inn, in Broughton, loved their local so much they paid at least £200 each to buy it at auction.
About 50 shareholders are now involved and the cash will be used - along with any profits - to maintain the building and support community projects.
Speaking after the opening, shareholder Margaret Fowler said: "It's just the most fantastic feeling, it really is."
She added: "It's gone really well. We were up at the crack of dawn putting everything together but we've had a steady stream of people to have a look, and have a laugh and a drink.
"There is so much work that has gone in, but it's been shared by so many people.
"We've ended up with something that we are so proud of and everyone is just so pleased to be back in."
'Started from scratch'
Shareholders have spent the past few weeks refitting the building ahead of its official reopening at lunchtime.
About 30 people banded together initially, but since the sale was completed on 6 November the number of shareholders has risen.
They will continue to maintain the building and the running of the pub has been handed over to live-in manager - and fellow shareholder - Rick Haughton.
"When Robinsons pulled out of the pub they stripped everything, so rather than just come into a pub that's already got the kit, we've literally started from scratch," he said.
Regulars have been helping to restore the pub's original features, down to the bells previously used to get the attention of passing waitresses.
But some amenities have been brought into the 21st Century, Mr Haughton said.
"For the first time the ladies toilets are moving inside, as opposed to the old way of the gents having an indoor loo and the ladies had an outdoor.
"Hopefully, we'll start getting the wives back in as opposed to just being a lads pub."
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