Ale-lovers hope a crowdfunding campaign will secure the future of Norfolk's most remote pub before it goes under the hammer.

Eastern Daily Press: The Berney Arms pub on the edge of the River Yare surrounded by Halvergate Marshes. Picture: James BassThe Berney Arms pub on the edge of the River Yare surrounded by Halvergate Marshes. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

The Berney Arms, on the river Yare, is accessible only by boat, train or a five-mile trek across the marshes, seclusion which has made it popular with both tourists and locals – but a challenge to run.

In October the Broads pub closed, and it is now due to go to auction at the end of next month – but, fearful it may be turned into homes, campaigners have launched a petition to put it back into community hands.

They are hoping a bid by the Norfolk and Norwich branch of Camra to turn it into an asset of community value, offering the building more protection against demolition or change of use, will be successful before the end of July.

But in the meantime the team, including Lucy Cousins, Rob Whitmore, Steve Leper and Ben Hastings, is busy raising the £160,000 needed to buy the pub as a co-operative – and has turned to the public for their help.

Jess Shanahan, another of those involved, said: 'We know there are a number of people interested in investing, but we want to offer people the chance to own a small piece of the pub, from £500 to £1,000 up.

'The goal is to put this back into community hands. We love pubs, we love real ale and we love Norfolk – and we want to see this pub survive.'

For more information and to get involved, visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/berney-arms/

Do you have a Broads story for us? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk