People now have the chance to buy shares in a 16th century village pub as a campaign to save the building from permanent closure gathers pace.

The Ploughshare, at Beeston near Dereham, is next to the one-time home of legendary 19th century boxing world champion Jem Mace and was the regular watering hole for airmen from the American Airforce 392nd Bombardment Group during the Second World War.

Villagers fear the pub, which has been closed since January, will be sold to a housing developer.

They are aiming to raise £350,000 to buy and reopen it.

The company Beeston Community Enterprises has been set up and, in the last few days, shares have gone on sale to the public.

Henry Dennett, chairman of Beeston Community Enterprises, said: 'We are confident we can save the pub but we are asking people to chip in and help.

'We are not expecting people to make massive donations, but if lots of people donate small amounts we will be able to save this pub, which is so important to the community here.

He added: 'We've seen how successful the campaign has been to save The King's Arms at Shouldham, and how that pub is running very successfully now, so we think if they can do it, why can't we?'