BINSTEAD'S Fleming Arms defied the odds to reopen just three days after suffering severe flooding, including sewage, throughout the establishment.

Heavy downpour and poor drainage throughout the town had caused the venue to evacuate a full service on Sunday evening.

The damage occurred only three days before an anniversary event was scheduled to celebrate owners Lucy Edwards and Craig Bruce running the business since July 28, 2018.

The duo undertook the clean-up mission alongside team member Lewis, who lives above the pub, with strict rules on sewage meaning they weren't allowed to enlist any assistance from a supportive local community until the waste had been cleaned.

Lucy told the CP: "After borrowing equipment from ITS, we didn't leave until late on Monday night and were back in for 8am on Tuesday.

"After the clean-up, a couple of close friends were allowed to help with the sanitising and we all worked our socks off to get everything back to a semi-normal standard.

"It was touch and go whether we would reopen in time but with great effort from Lewis and Craig, we managed to get it done in time for our anniversary."

A total of 42 guests arrived for the celebration, which was hosted by Dave Wiltshire - founder of Isle of Wight Karaoke and Disco.

The party proved a success which brought faces familiar and fresh, and the Fleming Arms team now hope to make karaoke nights a regular occurrence.

Isle of Wight County Press: The dining room at the Fleming Arms after the clean-up operation.The dining room at the Fleming Arms after the clean-up operation.

Despite this positive news, the cost of lost trade and water damage had left the future of the pub in limbo.

Lucy explained: "I couldn't afford to close for even one more day, my uncle Lee came in and checked the structure so we knew we were safe and the ceiling wasn't going to come down on us.

"Once he gave the green light it felt like a weight had been lifted and I thought 'yes we can do this.'

"I would like to thank my staff for their continued support, it has been one hell of a tough three years! Thank you also to everyone in the community, the support they have given not only to us but everyone who was affected has been overwhelming.

"Our struggles are far from over but with the dedication and continued backing we've received I think we will just about pull through."