A GROUP of villagers is getting together in a bid to save their community's only pub.

Brewing giant Thwaites has decided to sell the Punch Bowl in Burton-in-Lonsdale – now residents want to raise the cash to put in a bid.

A steering committee has been formed to win the backing of other villagers and has already succeeded in getting the pub listed as ‘an asset of community value’.

Chairman Mike Lavelle said it was now in the process of gathering information to put the proposal before the village.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Burton-in-Lonsdale has a history of successful community-run enterprises – its village shop won an award for best rural retailer in the north-west in 2008.

A spokesperson for the brewers’ said: "Thwaites will be very happy to work with the community, or any other interested party, should an offer be made.”