Beer lovers and community-minded folk in a north Norfolk village are "undeterred" in their campaigning efforts to save their pub.

The Save Blue Boar Inn Steering Group had been formed in a bid to save the Blue Boar Inn, in Great Ryburgh, from being converted into housing.

Since talks began in March of changing the building's use, the group has garnered support from over 200 villagers. 

It has seen the building listed as an asset of community value and the group wants to buy it.

Lesley Weston, a volunteer for the group, said: "Great Ryburgh is quite a lively village, and it would be such a shame to lose the pub.

"It's a listed building in a protected conservation area of the village, and it's the last remaining pub," Ms Weston said.

The group successfully applied to have the Blue Boar Inn become listed as an asset of community value, however the current owners, James and Laura Lee have appealed the decision, according to Ms Weston.

Over £150,000 has been pledged to purchasing the pub.

"The money has come from an impressive number of villagers, all willing to help fund the possible purchase of the pub. 

"We have tried to view the pub to assess the scope of works required in order to be able to make an appropriate offer to purchase. 

"To date, it hasn't been convenient for the Lees to allow us to access with their agent. 

"On recently contacting the agent again, we have been informed that the Lees have taken the property off the market," she said.

Laura Lee asked the North Norfolk District Council for planning advice over the conversion of the pub. (Image: Matthew Usher)

The group has also applied to the Community Ownership Fund for a grant to purchase it. However, the processing was paused during the General Election, making the outcome still unknown.

Ms Weston said: "We as a village, are undeterred and will continue in our project to save the pub from becoming residential dwellings."

She also said that, if the group succeeded in the purchase, the village would run the premises as a community hub, and host over-60s lunches, a dementia café and a non-alcoholic bar for under-18s. "It'll be something that everyone can enjoy", Ms Weston added.

Mr and Mrs Lee have been approached for comment.