An historic village pub - which has been closed for six months - could be back in business this summer.

Much of the Bell Hotel at Thorpe was destroyed when fire ripped through the building last July.

Since then experts have been waiting for the 400-year-old structure to dry out from water damage before work on repairs can go-ahead.

Although the drying out process is continuing the company which owns the grade two listed pub is hopeful that it will be up and running again by mid-summer.

Debbie Armstrong, public relations manager for Pubmaster, which is based in Hartlepool, said: "It is unlikely the Bell will be open again before July but that is the date we are working towards."

After the fire scaffolding and protective sheeting was put up to protect what was left stading from the elements.

That is still all in place and inside equipment is being used to help speed up the drying process.

"It is a very complex case and it is taking just as long as we expected," said a spokesman for Tendring Council.

"We did not anticipate it drying out during the winter period while the weather is so damp but we are monitoring the state of the progress. There are specialists from the West Midlands coming down to check on it as well and advise on the way forward."

The spokesman added that English Heritage was also involved and meetings with architects were taking place.

However, at this stage no planning application has been submitted to Tendring Council by Pubmaster.

Malcolm Holloway, a Thorpe parish councillor who used to be in the building trade, said he would be surprised if the Bell would be rebuilt in time for the summer.

"It is going to be an intricate and difficult job and there are still no signs of any plans going in yet," he said.

The families who lived in two neighbouring cottages, which were also damaged in the blaze, were not looking at getting back into their homes until the end of the year, he added.

Mike and Carol Hambling, who ran the pub were living in a mobile home in the car park but have now moved in with relatives.

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