CAMPAIGNERS have made a desperate plea to try to save a popular pub.

The Greys in Hanover, Brighton, has less than a week left to raise the £300,000 to buy the freehold from landlord Ei Group.

With £38,530 raised so far, campaigners are hoping match funding – meaning every pound raised is worth double – will help them.

Commercial property agents Fleuretts has set a deadline of midday on Thursday for bids to buy the pub which Friends of the Greys hope will mean a lower offer may be accepted.

Campaigners hope to develop the pub into a long-term asset for the people of Hanover.

Friends of the Greys spokesman Keith Farmer said: “Along with other grants and loans we have lined up, we are confident we can make a serious offer for the business – but every penny counts.

“If anyone has been thinking about buying shares, now is the time to do it.

“Turning The Greys into a community-owned pub and protecting and developing this much-loved music venue is a very real prospect.

“The pub could be ours.

“Now is the time to invest and make sure you’re a part of this exciting project.

“Though the crowdfunder amount is not near target, the reduced price and the grants and loans we have lined up mean we can make a serious offer for the pub – but every penny counts.”

Brighton and Hove City Council declared the pub an Asset of Community Value last summer, prompting a community campaign that has won wide support, including from Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas and Hanover councillors.

Other local pubs have also backed the bid.

If successful with its bid, The Greys will become one of Britain’s few community-owned pubs –following in the footsteps of The Bevy in Bevendean.