Former bomber pilot Des Hawkins is fighting one last campaign in a bid to keep a village pub open.

Mr Hawkins, 92, who was part of Bomber Command in the Second World War, is determined to do his bit to keep the Oliver Cromwell pub in St Edith’s Marsh, near Devizes, open.

Last week the Gazette revealed landlord Tony Okun, his wife Beverley and their son Christian had been told by Enterprise Inn they must leave by January 6.

Mr Okun understands Enterprise wants to sell the pub so it can become a curry house.

He was shocked at the decision as he had only signed a tenancy agreement with the pub chain on November 21.

Mr Hawkins, who lives in Melksham, wrote to Enterprise to say: “This pub is historic and is well served by the incumbent host, his family and employees.

“After serving throughout the war flying with RAF Bomber Command followed by a subsequent civil occupation, in retirement I found exactly the pub I was looking for. That is a meeting place for beer, good food and a brilliant forum for intelligent conversation, all of which requirements are present in the Oliver Cromwell.”

Mr Okun has found support from the North West Wilts branch of CAMRA. Pubs officer Ruth Shepherd has written to Wiltshire Council asking it to save the pub by listing it as an asset of community value.

She wrote: “I hope this will aid in halting this sale process and at least buying the community time perhaps to find an alternative buyer, one who has the community's interest at heart.”

Mr Okun said he had been overwhelmed by the support from regulars and villagers.

Enterprise Inns said: “We can confirm we have given Mr Okun notice to terminate his tenancy at the Oliver Cromwell, which is line with the terms of his agreement.”