AN eyesore former pub in a Rame Peninsula village could become a community-owned heritage centre and flats for local people.

The Old Ship Inn in Cawsand had been empty for some years before it was gutted by a fire in 2013.

Now the Peninsula Trust charity has plans to buy and rebuild the Garrett Street pub.

The trust acknowledges that restoring the grade II listed property will be a ‘monumental task’ – but if people pitch together, the ambitious plans can be realised, says general manager Simon Ryan.

The charity has until Easter to raise the purchase price for the Old Ship.

As well as donations from local people, the trust is looking for individual investors. A community share offer was launched at a public meeting.

To register support, visit the Rame Centre in Millbrook or download a letter at www.thepeninsulatrust.org.uk