A public meeting is set to be held in Ash Magna tomorrow as residents continue their campaign to save a village pub.

The White Lion is set to close and is up for sale as the current owners wish to retire, but more than £140,000 has already been pledged to buy it.

Judith Griffin, chair of the steering group set up to raise the money, says they are confident of securing more funds, aiming for just short of £400,000.

“The response from local people to our proposals to buy the pub as a community has been fantastic,” she said.

“In just four weeks over £140,000 has been pledged, while we are also optimistic of securing grant support.

“Residents of Ash Magna and the surrounding locality have impressively responded to the campaign to purchase and save their local pub.

“At our meeting this Thursday, we want to update residents on progress and launch the formal share offer.

“This will run for six weeks, with the aim of converting pledges into shares and raising £370,000 to purchase and refurbish The White Lion.”

The meeting starts at 7pm at Ash Magna Village Hall but attendees are encouraged to arrive early if they want a seat.

For more details, contact Judith on 01948 667903 or via judithgriffin@btinternet.com