A PUB that was saved by Hampshire villagers three years ago burnt down because of a candle.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the John O'Gaunt, in Horsebridge near King's Somborne, was destroyed after an ignition from a candle upstairs.

At the time landlady Laura Davis said on the pub's Facebook page: "It is with much regret and pain for me to say that the pub has been closed due to a fire upstairs.

"I would like to clarify that the fire was upstairs which I tried my hardest to put out. No-one was hurt and the loss is my own.

"Thank you to everyone who has given me the much needed support.

"The pub will be re-opening in due course."

Around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze on May 21, which left the building 100 per cent smoke damaged.

In 2012 villagers battled against a planning application to turn it into flats.