Ornamental gates installed at a village hall to mark the late Queen's coronation have been lovingly restored and returned home.

Villagers at Barroway Drove, near Downham Market, installed the gates in 1953, with money left over from constructing the building the previous year.

Around 50 years later, they were taken down from the entrance to what was by then a newer, larger hall after falling into disrepair.

The official opening of the coronation gates at Barroway Drove in 1953The official opening of the coronation gates at Barroway Drove in 1953 (Image: Barroway Drove History Group)

After 20 years of sitting in the open, locals decided to repair the gates and return them to their rightful place.

Villagers Gary Bishop and Mark Farrow undertook the restoration, which cost more than £1,000.

"It took us about three months on and off," said Mr Bishop, who runs a coach firm.

Gary Bishop (left) and Mark Farrow with the newly-restored gatesGary Bishop (left) and Mark Farrow with the newly-restored gates (Image: Chris Bishop)

"Mark had to fabricate all the actual curls because he had to replace them all."

Mr Farrow, a retired welder, used an oxy acetylene torch to heat the steel to 1,000C before it could be shaped on a special jig.

"It started out looking like we only needed one or two changing," he said.

The rusty gates pictured prior to their restoration, at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022The rusty gates pictured prior to their restoration, at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 (Image: Barroway Drove Village Hall)

"But when we had it sandblasted, we found out we had to do the lot."

Sally Purkiss, chair of the village hall committee, said: "They did a great job. 

"I was a bit nervous about them being put out there again in case they go walkies - they're one of a kind."

Some £600 was raised by Accio Consult and Construct, a business based in the village, which organised a charity football tournament.

The gates were installed to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953The gates were installed to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953 (Image: PA)

A further £400 was donated by Mr Bishop towards the cost of materials, while borough councillor Vivienne Spikings chipped in £200.

The current hall, which opened in 1982, replaced the smaller 1952 building.

It is the centre of the community, hosting everything from pub nights and cheese and wine evenings, to children's activities and fitness sessions.