The future of the Gordon pub in Thorpe is in the balance, but regulars and staff at the popular local are hoping and praying that it somehow survives, despite being put up for sale by its owner, Punch Taverns.

Tenants Wendy Munn and Mac McPherson are certainly doing their bit to persuade the pub chain to give it another shot.

The couple, who have just got engaged, have been in charge since last December. Mac ran the Boundary pub in Norwich about five years ago, and said he missed the pub trade and socialising. He was also a nightclub doorman in Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

He said: 'People in Norwich know what they want from a pub. They like a proper pub and our slogan is 'We are a proper pub bor', which is a Norfolk term for a friend. Norfolk people know what they like and they tend to stick with it.

'They don't want it to be a food pub, they want a traditional boozer. As to food, most people are happy with just basket meals.

'We will be here until the pub sells, but obviously we hope it won't be sold, and hope that it stays as a pub. But it's hanging in the balance, whether it will stay a pub or go for redevelopment.'

His partner's last job was as a carer. She's a mother-of-two, and when she met Mac they talked about getting a pub and applied to Punch to take on The Gordon.

She said: 'When the pub closed last year there were a lot of people very upset. Some people went to the Millhouse, the nearest pub, but they have a different, younger clientele. We get a more middle-aged crowd, dog walkers, families, etc.'

They have tried to turn the pub's fortunes around, and regulars believe they are on the right track.

Mac added: 'We have live music and put on charity events. We are having an all-day rock and roll event on April 22. And For England and St George, on April 23, we are having a classic car and bike event with face painting and half a yard of ale. Not many people do celebrate St George's Day but we will. We will be raising money for the Help for Heroes charity. And then we will have a street party for the Queen's Jubilee.'

The pub has also received backing from the local town council, and Thorpe town clerk Steven Ford said: 'It has been trading quite well under the present temporary manager so hopefully it will continue as a pub.'

The Evening News has been urging customers to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign. To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/ loveyourlocal