A campaign to save the Chequer Inn in Ash has won the support of Great British Bake-Off’s Paul Hollywood, Doctor Foster actor Neil Stuke and MP for Sandwich Craig Mackinlay.

The Save The Chequer Inn group, which includes residents and national campaigners, has submitted a detailed Asset of Community Value bid and a business plan to Dover District Council. They are now being assessed.

After a meeting last week, a five-figure sum has been pledged to help save the 15th century pub from being turned into housing.

The group will be able to present its case in a three-minute speech to the planning committee on Thursday January 21.

At the group’s latest meeting, held at Ash Village Hall on Tuesday January 5, more than 100 residents and supporters from London shared their stories.

Matthew Titterton, of The Street, Ash, who has been leading the campaign, said: “The meeting was very positive about the future of the campaign, and a great deal of support was pledged.

“One man suggested starting a fighting fund to cover immediate expenses. After the meeting an individual pledged a five-figure sum to get us started.”

Speakers included actor Neil Stuke, Alex Lister, who has been involved in the campaign to save the Red Lion in Wingham, and Mark Dodds, a publican.

Mr Titterton said: “One speaker explained that Ash is one of hundreds of villages up and down Britain where people have banded together to save the pub.

“She put our fight in a national context and let us know that our campaign is not an isolated case, explaining that the ‘enemy’ is the pub companies who buy up pubs, over-price the beer ties and increase the rents, driving landlords out of business.”

A huge group of people also raised banners and protested against the development outside the pub on Sunday.

Craig Mackinlay also attended, to chat to residents and show his support.