Efforts to save a grade II listed pub on Great Yarmouth's seafront have taken a major step forward after the project was provisionally awarded more than £2m in funding.
The Iron Duke, an Art Deco pub in Jellicoe Road which has stood empty since 2008, could finally be set for a new lease of life.
It comes courtesy of a £161,329 cash injection from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with a further £1.8m to be awarded if the scheme is approved for second-round development funding.
The progression of the project has been made possible by a partnership between Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust (GYPT) and Norfolk-based restaurant chain, Zaks.
Upon completion of extensive restoration works, it has been proposed that Zaks will operate the building as a bar and restaurant.
Over the coming months, GYPT - which purchased the Iron Duke back in 2020 - will complete essential roof repairs and finalise architectural plans.
Bernard Williamson, chairman of Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, said: "The Iron Duke is an incredibly important historic building and part of the town's amazing heritage.
"We are absolutely delighted with this support from National Lottery players and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will enable us to undertake a full restoration."
READ MORE: See inside abandoned Art Deco seaside pub before renovation
Stage one of the submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund followed an intense period of project development.
Over the past 14 months, GYPT has undertaken detailed surveying and analysis to understand the building and its condition, created a conservation and cost plan and formed its commercial partnership with Zaks. 
While the scheme is ultimately aimed at delivering a comprehensive restoration and the sustainable re-use of an important historic building, the trust said it would include a "full programme of engagement, training and volunteering".
News of Zaks' involvement in the Iron Duke project comes months after the burger chain bought the Yankee Traveller a couple of miles down the road, in King Street.
Ian Hacon, co-owner of Zaks alongside Chris Carr, said: "Chris and I are very excited about this project.
"Within our existing sites, we have three historic venues. The fourth is of a similar size to the Iron Duke, so we can really add value to this project.
"More importantly, it’s an iconic building that needs to be preserved with a sustainable use. We are looking forward to the partnership with Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust to make this happen."
The Friends of Iron Duke group have long campaigned for the pub to reopen and ensured it became a listed building.
History of the Iron Duke
The Iron Duke was the work of the architect Arthur W Ecclestone, who designed a number of pubs both before and after the Second World War.
Others include the Clipper Schooner in Great Yarmouth and the Links Hotel in Gorleston.
Despite being incomplete, the Iron Duke opened in 1940 to serve the soldiers manning anti-aircraft guns on North Denes.
It was finished in 1948, with its counters made out of teak from Admiral Jellicoe’s flagship, HMS Iron Duke, which led the British fleet in the Battle of Jutland.
However, little of the original fit-out remains, with the bar now comprising a flimsy replacement, possibly dating from the 1970s.
Rain hoppers in a 1930s style are among the eye-catching period details that remain, along with two falcons that stood above the former Lacon's pub which are in safe storage.
For 14 years, the building has been virtually untouched aside from a spate of vandalism - much to the frustration of locals and heritage fans concerned about its future.
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