A VILLAGE’S bid to buy a much-loved community pub has been pledged £75,000 in just 10 days of campaigning.

The surprise sum was revealed at a public meeting held in Dent Memorial Hall by the working group campaigning to buy the ancient pub, The Sun Inn.

The historic pub, first recorded in 1523, is up for sale and residents need pledges of at least £150,000 to get a chance of match-funding from a Government grant.

If they achieve their goal the villagers hope to buy and run The Sun as a community pub, meaning the profits get reinvested in the business or go to good causes in the village.

Working group chairman Andrew Povey said: “We’re chuffed to bits about the amount pledged so far in such a short time. It just goes to show how passionate our residents and visitors are about The Sun.”

The Sun is a magnet for visitors to Dent and has attractions such as old beams, real fires and a mounting block. It sits at the centre of the scenic village’s designated Conservation Area, which has a cobbled main street.

Mr Povey added: “Community pubs have been launched all over the country and are hugely successful. We have strong support in our community but still need more pledges to reach our target."

Anyone interested in more information should email saveoursun2024@gmail.com or visit www.dentcommunitypub.co.uk