A DETERMINED Stoke Prior woman, who has multiple sclerosis, is returning a special favour to fundraising regulars at a village pub threatened with closure.

Linda Brown, who drinks at The Butchers Arms, in Shaw Lane, is spearheading a campaign to keep it open after owner Veronica Dowler died last year.

Customers fear the pub, which is set to come up for auction, could be taken over by a large leisure company.

Regulars are fighting to retain the character of the freehold premises which has been dubbed the 'heart and soul of the community' and dates back to Georgian times.

Numerous events, including a sponsored 900-mile cycle ride, have been organised at the pub to help raise £10,000 to buy a special drug which will enhance Linda's life.

The NHS will not fund it until it sees the medication is effective.

Regulars have already hit the target's halfway mark.

Linda and the other customers are appealing for someone to take over the pub or plough cash into it and keep the spirit alive.

Up until now drinkers have been pulling together to work behind the bar so the ale will keep flowing.

Linda said: "I was devastated by the news and I am concerned the character of this place will be lost.

"There is a great spirit here and I don't know another place like it."

Peter Atkins, another regular said: "There are three pubs in this village which are all different but this one is the heart and soul of the community."

Veronica's daughter, Amber, who has put the pub up for sale, said: "I have to go for the highest bid but hope to find someone who will keep the pub as it is."