REAL ale campaigners in Darlington have stepped in to try to save a 170-year-old village pub from closure.

Plans to turn the Raby Hunt at Summerhouses into private accommodation have prompted an objection by the Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The owners, Mike and Barbara Allison, have run the pub for the last 24 years, but falling trade is believed to have caused the decision to close.

Camra members describe the pub as the finest remaining traditional country pub in the Darlington borough.

They say a change of use should be resisted until all possible means of keeping it open have been explored.

Mr Ian Jackson, chairman of Darlington Camra, said: "The Raby Hunt should not be allowed to close, after 170 years of existence, without a proper test of its viability.

"To advertise it as such on the open market, over a reasonable period of time and at a fair asking price, is the only true test. Only if no reasonable offer is forthcoming should the proposed change of use be permitted. Until then the proposal is premature."

Camra recognises that trade has fallen at the pub in recent times but says there is every chance it would become more profitable under new owners bringing a fresh impetus to the business.

It says there is untapped potential for increasing income at the pub, such as longer opening hours, serving evening meals and Sunday lunches, providing more family facilities and offering bed and breakfast and holiday facilities in its outbuildings.

Mr Jackson said: "Camra has no wish to keep open businesses which are demonstrably unviable and we would not oppose the closure of the Raby Hunt, or any other pub, in those circumstances.

"But, where there appears to be a prospect of viability, closure should be the last option, not the first."

The planning application is expected to be heard by borough councillors shortly.