Queen Camilla has thrown her support behind a grassroots effort to rescue a cherished East Sussex pub from potential closure.
The monarch wrote to a local resident who had informed her about the campaign to purchase The Fountain Inn in Plumpton Green.
In her letter, the Queen expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: "I am full of admiration for your efforts to buy the Fountain Inn."
She also requested updates on the campaign's progress, adding: "Please do let me know how you get on."
The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society, which is spearheading the fundraising drive, announced on Monday that they had received this royal show of support.
Villagers have described the pub as the "heart of the community" and are determined to secure its future through collective ownership.
The Fountain Inn has served the village for 175 years, establishing itself as a cornerstone of local life.
Bar operator Punch Pubs placed the establishment on the market earlier this year, prompting residents to take action.
Queen Camilla has thrown her support behind a grassroots effort to rescue a cherished East Sussex pub from potential closure
|PA
In response, villagers founded The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society to coordinate their acquisition bid and gather funds.
The campaign has gained considerable momentum, with the society announcing it has secured close to £300,000 in pledges.
This represents significant progress towards the £475,000 asking price, though VAT must also be factored into the total cost.
The volunteer-led organisation intends to acquire the premises and subsequently lease it to a tenant landlord, ensuring the pub continues operating as a traditional local.
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The monarch wrote to a local resident who had informed her about the campaign to purchase The Fountain Inn in Plumpton Green
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This community ownership model would safeguard the venue's role as a gathering place for residents across all age groups.
Queen Camilla's interest in the campaign stems from her family's longstanding ties to the area.
Her relatives resided for many years at The Laines, a substantial property situated on the outskirts of the neighbouring village of Plumpton.
Stuart Wallis, chairman of The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society, welcomed the royal support with evident pride.
"Queen Camilla's backing is a sign of just what the Fountain Inn means to a village like Plumpton," he said.
"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."
Mr Wallis added: "We are delighted to have had such high backing in this bid."
The society's volunteers remain focused on reaching their target and preserving this beloved establishment for future generations.
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