The future of a historic pub will be discussed by the campaigners who saved it from the bulldozers.

The Royal Oak in Frindsbury was threatened with demolition but a plan for housing was withdrawn when history-loving Joe O’Donnell and supporters had the building listed.

It is believed to date to the 17th century and is thought to contain timber from HMS Royal Oak, sunk by the Dutch in 1664 at Upnor.

Mr O’Donnell wants to apply for funding from a government scheme which helps communities buy their local pubs and said some investors had already shown an interest.

A meeting will be held at Wainscott Memorial Hall, in Holly Road, Strood, this Sunday at 1.30pm.

He said: “It will be a public meeting to formally set up the group to apply for funding from the Plunket Foundation to help purchase the pub for the community.”