Brighton's "only alternative pub" has had its future secured after its owners agreed to give its current management a new five-year lease.

Punch Taverns have agreed to give the Caroline of Brunswick pub in Ditchling Road, Brighton, leaseholder Cliff Barnes a new five year contract in November.

The news follows a high-profile campaign, backed by Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, to keep the characterful pub as it is.

There had been real fears that Pubco owners Punch Taverns would not extend Mr Barnes' lease when it expired next winter and potentially convert it into a chain pub.

Pub staff said they had been overwhelmed with the support the campaign gained which has helped to preserve it as one of Brighton's more idiosyncratic boozers.

The pub has played host to a number of top performers over the years including comics Romesh Ranganathan, Zoe Lyons and Holly Walsh and is expecting to host more top talent during next year’s Brighton Fringe arts festival.

The venue is well-known for its hosting of comedy and music gigs, DJ events and the well-established Nerd Nights of expert talks.

As part of the campaign, a bid has been submitted to grant the venue asset of community value status to make the building less attractive to property developers as they would have to keep the ground floor open as a pub.