Former Leytonstone resident Damon Albarn has offered his support to save a pub at threat of closure.

A petition has so far gathered over 885 signatures calling for the Heathcote Arms, in Green Road, Leytonstone, to remain as a pub.

In September, Stonegate Ltd announced the sale of the pub to Equity Estates and the pub is currently closed with no planning application yet submitted.

Earlier this year, Blur singer Damon Albarn unveiled a blue plaque on his former home in 21 Fillebrook Road, Leytonstone.

The 46-year-old lived in the house until he was nine-years-old and attended George Tomlinson Primary School, in Harrington Road.

Albarn’s recent Mercury-nominated album, Everyday Robots, recalls his early childhood living in Fillebrook Road and one of the songs is named Hollow Ponds.

He said his father used to regularly attend the Heathcote and he offered his support against its closure in a statement to campaigners.

Albarn said: "The more we get rid of traditional pubs the more we forget who we were.

“The more we forget who we were the less we know who we are. Save the Heathcote."

In October, campaigners protesting against its closure successfully applied for it to be an Asset of Community Value.

ACV status, which was granted under new laws included in the Localism Act 2011, gives the community six months to raise sufficient funds to purchase the building if it is put up for sale.

The petition can be found here.