DRINKERS in Hoghton are campaigning against the sale of their beloved pub.

The Castle, in Gregson Lane, is up for sale and regulars fear it could end up as part of a new housing estate.

Locals have rallied round to help the tenants, Brenda and John Noblet, and hundreds have signed petitions against the closure which, they claim, would affect community life.

The licensees even have plans to put up the cash themselves, with help from the regulars, to buy the pub if current owners Coinpath Limited cannot strike a deal with prospective buyers.

Amanda Jones, who held her wedding reception at the Castle recently, said: "It's a great pub, a real friendly place. Any local birthdays or weddings are held here."

Her husband Paul, said: "Everybody who came to the wedding reception said what a lovely place it is here."

The Castle has served the community for 150 years and is one of the few watering holes the village. It has a bowling green and play area, is a popular venue for bowling games and has a pigeon club.

But now Brenda and John, who took over as tenants in January, have been given weeks to leave.

John said: "We've spoken to some of the locals, to put a bit of money in and carry on running it. We came here to retire. We had a pub in Manchester but all my wife's family are round here and mine are in Preston."

The Noblets fear they could be left penniless if the pub closes, as nobody will be buying their tenancy when they leave. "We've 20 odd grand tied up in here," said John. "All the fittings belong to us, but what can we do with it? We might get £2,000 for it at scrap value."

Local councillor Tom Sharratt said: "The news has caused immense upset."

Philip Sambell of County Estate, managing agents for Coinpath, said: "The Castle is to be sold. We do not know if the new owners will redevelop the site for residential use."

He added that Coinpath would honour any contract made with the tenants.