THE Campaign for Real Ale has joined the campaign to try and save one of west Dorset’s best known pubs which is set to close before the end of this month.

Owner, Michael Brookes was granted by a possession order for The Bottle Inn in Marshwood by Weymouth County Court last week.

The landlords, Nigel and Chrissy Blake, have been ordered to leave the premises by March 28.

Rich Gabe from West Dorset CAMRA said this week that he had already spoken to one possible buyer and that he hoped to find a solution that will allow The Bottle to remain open.

Councillor Jacqui Sewell, who represents Marshwood on West Dorset District Council, has also offered her support to try and rescue the pub.

Mr and Mrs Blake, who have already been offered the tenancy of another pub near Yeovil, have been running The Bottle since 2012.

Mark Van de Weyer, chairman of the Supporters Association of the Bottle Inn, which three years ago registered the pub as an asset of community value, said: “There is huge support for saving The Bottle and it is tremendous to have CAMRA working with us.”

“But with so little time it will be difficult to avoid The Bottle being forced to close but hopefully we will be able to ensure that this is only temporary. If a buyer can be found he will be faced with the problem of carrying out very expensive repairs. The roof is in a terrible state and it is not possible to run a restaurant because the kitchen does not conform to current safety standards.”

Mr and Mrs Blake, who have won three CAMRA awards during their time at The Bottle, currently plan to close the pub at the end of next week. to allow them sufficient time to move out before the deadline set by the court.

Mr Brookes has been uncontactable.