Residents and friends of Burton in Lonsdale are rallying to save their last remaining pub by taking it into community ownership.

The grand campaign kicked off with a share offer on July 11, drawing an overwhelming response.

As of August 8, the Community Benefit Society, which spearheads the mission, boosted its membership to 293 and collected a colossal £230,558 from the sale of shares.

The management team has taken the decision to extend the share offer till September 8.

Although a significant boost, the funds raised are still short of the minimum target of £275,000.

Interest in the campaign has now spread, with enquiries from people living further afield who are just learning about the pub’s plight, alongside residents who have been away.

Meanwhile, the group still has sights on the optimum target of £445,000, which could breathe life back into the Punch Bowl.

Further funding opportunities are also on the horizon.

The organisation is anxiously awaiting news of its Community Ownership Fund application.

Other applications for additional Grant Funding and Tax Relief schemes are also in the pipeline, with results due in September and October.

The society issued an open invitation to all interested parties.

The process of applying for shares has been described as 'quick and easy'.

For more Information, visit www.burtoncommunityinn.com.