Villagers have high hopes of soon being in a position to purchase their local pub which appeared on an ITV drama.

So far, £300,000 has been pledged by residents of West Peckham and its neighboring communities to buy the Swan on the Green from its current owner, Gordon Milligan.

Mr Millgan has agreed a price to be paid with the organisers of the Swan Community Project, who want to see the boozer, which dates to 1526, continue as an inn and not be lost to housing.

Ray King, who is chairman of the community group, said: “There is very good reason to be confident. We have already had nearly £300,000 pledged by supporters, each willing to give at least £250.

“We are also working very hard to finalise our application to the Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove for a grant under the Community Ownership Fund.”

The application must be submitted by January 31 and the village should know if it has been successful eight weeks later.

Mr King added: “Obviously it’s a challenge. We are applying for £250k and the Government doesn't give that sort of money away without making you jump through a lot of hoops.”

The agreed purchase price has not been disclosed, but group chairman said the fund-raising target was flexible in any case.

He said: “Beyond the purchase, there’s a certain amount that will be needed for essential repairs and refurbishment.

“Beyond that, if we have enough money, there are certain improvements we would like to make."

The next stage will be the issuing of a share prospectus, due at the end of February, when villagers will be asked to convert their pledges into cash.

The Swan on the Green will be familiar to many readers as it was used as the setting for the “Hare and Hounds” for the 2021 filming of The Larkins TV series starring Bradley Walsh.

To make a pledge to support the campaign visit here.

The Swan Community Project is hoping for support from the wider community. As part of that campaign, it is taking a “road show” to the surrounding villages including Kings Hill and Wateringbury.

The first roadshow will be at Mereworth Village Hall on Thursday, January 18, starting at 7.30pm. All welcome.