RESIDENTS of Great Wolford, near Moreton-in-Marsh, will be holding a pop-up pub tomorrow (Friday) as part of their campaign to save their village inn.

Villagers were dismayed when the Fox and Hounds, which dates from 1540, shut its doors earlier this year.

Now they are fighting back to save the ancient inn fr0m the threat of development.

And as part of their campaign, they have been holding pop-up pub sessions in a nearby village hall to raise funds and maintain the sociable atmosphere of the village.

More than 900 signatures have been collected from supporters keen to ensure that the traditional village pub is not lost to development.

And the campaigners have also managed to obtain an Asset of Community Value listing from Stratford District Council to protect the pub.

This means that if the pub is put up for sale, the community will have first refusal and will also allow them time to raise the money for the purchase.

“The Christmas Pop-up Pub will be an opportunity for families and friends to get together, celebrate Christmas and discuss how to save pub from the developers,” said Charles Pearmain of the campaign.

“The pub has been hugely popular in the past and we have no doubt that, run properly, it will be a thriving business once more. Each pop-up attracts around 60 villagers who could be drinking in the pub if it were open – how crazy is that?”

The event will be held at Little Wolford village hall where volunteers will be serving hot food, real ale, cider, beers and spirits.