A move to retain Sidbury’s last remaining pub has received a seal of approval from a member of the clergy.

The Reverend Susie Williams agreed to become a patron of the campaign to save the Red Lion, a free house directly opposite her church in the heart of the village.

The Sid Valley team vicar joins East Devon MP Hugo Swire in supporting the regulars, who last week submitted an application that could put the pub’s sale on hold.

Susie said: “As someone who passionately believes in keeping villages alive and ensuring that there are focal points in them for all residents, such as a church, shop, school and pub, I have followed the campaign with great interest.

“I hope that by becoming a patron of the campaign I can help to garner further support across the Sid Valley for the retention of the Red Lion as a pub for the community.”

Campaign chairman Fred Burnett said: “It is fantastic that Susie Williams, our local vicar, has agreed to become a patron.

“With Susie having agreed to become a patron so soon after our local MP Hugo Swire did will give great heart to all involved in the campaign.

Mr Swire, who used to live in one of Sir John Cave’s houses and used to frequent the Red Lion, said he is committed to ensuring there is a community hub in the village.

Owners Punch Taverns currently have the Red Lion the market for £295,000.

The campaigners have applied to East Devon District Council to have the pub listed as an asset of community value, which, if successful, would halt its sale and give them the opportunity to see if buying it is viable.