Queen backs campaign to buy village pub

A community effort to buy a village pub in East Sussex has received royal backing, according to campaigners.

In a letter seen by the BBC, Queen Camilla said she was "full of admiration" for an attempt by locals to buy the Fountain Inn in Plumpton.

The Queen, who spent part of her childhood in the village, urged them to let her know how they get on.

"Good luck," she added.

It comes as The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society announced it had almost £300,000 pledged to potentially purchase the pub.

The Fountain, which has served the Plumpton community for 175 years, has been put up for sale by current owners Punch.

It has been listed as an Asset of Community Value, which means the community has a six-month period to buy it.

"Queen Camilla's backing is a sign of just what the Fountain Inn means to a village like Plumpton," said Stuart Wallis, chairman of The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society.

"Current and former residents – such as Her Royal Highness – understand that the pub is and will always be the real heart of the community that offers social engagement across all demographics.

"We are delighted to have had such high backing."

The Queen lived in Plumpton until the age of 10 when she went to boarding school.

She resided in The Laines, an 18th Century country house in the village.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.

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