PROTESTORS battling to save a landmark pub will seek independent advice in the hope of finding flaws in the plan.

Plans to demolish the White Horse Hotel, in North Road, Darlington, and replace it with 55 apartments, have met with fierce opposition.

About 100 written objections to the plan have been made, but protest leaders have urged people to add to that total and have called a public meeting.

Malcolm Guy, vice-chairman of Whessoe Parish Council, said: "We are looking at hiring a planning consultant, if we can afford one, to look at how feasible the plans are. We still are objecting to them as strongly as ever."

The parish council is holding a meeting on Wednesday at 7pm, in Whessoe Village Hall.