A £10,000 fundraiser has been launched to secure the future of a pub which has nurtured generations of musicians.

The Railway Hotel was put up for sale by owners Fi and Dave Dulake following a shock announcement in December.

The couple have since changed their minds and will continue at the pub but they face an uphill battle maintaining the old building in Clifftown Road.

Supporters have come to the rescue however, raising more than £5,500 in just one week.

Echo:

In need of repair - iconic Railway Hotel

A statement on the Gofundme page said: “The future of this important community hub had been uncertain and many of us breathed a massive sigh of relief when Dave and Fi Dulake announced that they were staying. But the immediate future is it not without difficulties.

“Maintaining the fabric of this beautiful historical building is a huge undertaking and has left Dave and Fi with some significant bills for which they are having to shoulder the entire burden.”

The Friends of the Railway Hotel add: “As part of our cultural community, it seems right that we should all help in any way that we can - no matter how small.

"Even if we are able to shoulder some of that burden for our friends, then we could help to relieve the colossal responsibility that they now face in trying to preserve this vital and special place.

Echo:

Regular - Musician Wilko Johnson

“This well loved cultural hub has supported artists, musicians, radio, bands, events, film, charity events, numerous fundraisers and homeless causes - all to the benefit of the community but to the detriment of the owners.

“Think how devastated many of us would be if it were to sink despite the valiant efforts of Fi and Dave who have ploughed their hearts and souls into the pub.”