A south Essex pub which closed after controversy over golly dolls displayed behind the bar has been listed for sale.

Earlier this year six officers visited the White Hart Inn in Grays, following a complaint over a collection of 15 golly dolls it had received as gifts from customers over the years.

The dolls, which are based on 18th-century minstrels and are regarded as racist caricatures, were confiscated by police on April 18 following the complaint.

Police launched a probe and supplied evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who later announced no further action would be taken after the landlords were investigated for a suspected hate crime.

Benice and Chris Ryley were landlords of the pub and at the time and defended displaying the dolls, insisting they were "not breaking any laws". The pub has since closed down and the dolls were removed.

Echo: The dolls which were removedThe dolls which were removed (Image: SWNS)

Now, following the closure, Savills has put the Grade II listed pub, located in Argent Street, up for sale.

Describing the two-storey detached property, the real estate firm say: "The ground floor provides an open trading area with a central bar servery and a private function room to the rear of the property with internal and external access. Ancillary areas include customer WC's and a manager's office.

"The first floor provides eight single bed letting rooms, with three bathrooms and communal kitchen, accessed externally from the rear of the property as well as internally from behind the bar. The manager's accommodation comprises a bedroom, lounge, office and bathroom.

"There is an enclosed beer garden to the rear of the property as well as a detached outbuilding which has been converted to provide two further en suite letting. There is car parking to the side of the property for circa 12 vehicles."

The property is held freehold and is available with vacant possession. Savills is looking for offers in excess of £575,000.