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Prince William donates to pub rescue mission

Kirsten RobertsonWiltshire
Getty Images Prince William has a beard and smiles widelyGetty Images
The royal has also written to the campaign group and branded pubs "lifelines"

Prince William has donated £1,000 to a campaign group which wants to save their local pub.

The royal has given money to the Semington Community Benefit Society which is trying to resurrect the Somerset Arms, near Melksham in Wiltshire. It has been closed since 2023 and is currently on the market for £395,000.

Prince William has also written a letter to the group in which he describes rural pubs as a "lifeline" to communities.

Andy Cobley - vice chair of the Semington Community Benefit Society - says the royal backing has been a huge boost and said local people were "stunned" and "amazed."

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Semington Community Benefit Society A group of people stood in front of a white building. They are holding a sign which says 'save the Somerset Arms'Semington Community Benefit Society
Villagers are hoping for a royal visit to the Somerset Arms once it is saved

He added: "We are over the moon that Prince William has made this donation and also at his recognition of how important pubs are within the community.

"We are incredibly excited and stunned. It is brilliant His Royal Highness can recognise what is going on in these small villages and help us out. It's fantastic."

Campaigners at the Semington Community Benefit Society had previously made a public call for Prince William to pull the first pint at the Somerset Arms if it is saved.

Three middle-aged men stand in front of a white pub. One of them, who has a styled, long white beard, is close to the camera than the other two
Andy Cobley - middle, with fellow residents Mike Woodrows (l) and Ian Williamson (right) - says people are "over the moon" at Prince William's support

The invite came after they saw how the royal had called for pubs to be protected and supported during a recent visit to London.

"This is exactly what William was talking about," Ian Williamson, chair of the Semington Community Benefit Society, said at the time. "We're writing to thank him for supporting pubs like ours, and we'd love to welcome him when we get it reopened."

In his reply to the Semington Community Benefit Society, Prince William wrote in a letter: "I am very keen to support the role that pubs play, not only as businesses, but as community hubs that contribute so much to the fabric of our nation.

"I look forward to coming down to pull a pint and celebrate your success."

The campaign group has raised £194,710 in pledges - non-binding commitments ahead of potential formal share offers - and £4,000 through individual Crowdfunder donations.

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