New pub landlords who helped shelter people following a fire in Great Yarmouth have officially moved in behind the bar of a popular town premises.

Heidi and Symon Palmer have taken over the Kings Arms on Northgate Street.

The married couple said they intend to build on the establishment's "warm, communal and family-friendly" reputation.

Mr Palmer said: "While our first official day was Friday, we had been here for a few weeks with the previous publicans to get to know everyone.

"And we soon realised just how strong the community spirit is here during that awful fire a few weeks ago."

Firefighters were called to the blaze on Saturday June 22.Firefighters were called to the blaze on Saturday June 22. (Image: Emma Kelv-Seal) Mr and Mrs Palmer, along with previous landlords Michael and Melanie Pywell, turned the pub into a refuge centre for those affected by the fire which broke out inside flats and a tanning salon across the street on June 22.

People were offered shelter, warm drinks and food while firefighters tackled the blaze during the morning.

"This place has a real community feel and it is family-friendly - which is vital for us and for the area," said Mrs Palmer, who was previously the general manager at The Smokehouse in Ormesby. 

"And that's what we want to continue to promote here. The previous publicans did a wonderful job for 18 years and we have big shoes to fill.

Heidi and Symon Palmer behind the bar at The Kings Arms.Heidi and Symon Palmer behind the bar at The Kings Arms. (Image: James Weeds) "But other than putting our stamp on a few things cosmetically and updating the menu, we feel if it's not broken, don't fix it. We intend to keep this place friendly and a hub for local people, businesses and clubs, and we want to welcome new and old customers."

Since taking over, the Palmers have added a touch of paint to the window sills and have plans to add a children's play area at the back to ensure "the family environment continues to be a main attraction".

The new landlords aim to keep The Kings Arms popular for families.The new landlords aim to keep The Kings Arms popular for families. (Image: James Weeds) "Symon and I had always talked about running a pub," Mrs Palmer added. "When we saw this place come up, we knew we had to take the opportunity.

"This is the best pub in Great Yarmouth and we are proud to be here."

For more information, visit The Kings Arms Great Yarmouth on Facebook.