A celebrity-backed pub at the centre of a campaign to save it from closure has been put up for sale by the developers who recently bought it.

A petition, which currently has over 1000 signatures, is calling for the Heathcote Arms, in Green Road, Leytonstone, to remain as a pub.

In September, developer Equity Estates bought the pub and it has been closed since then with no planning application lodged.

But campaigners believe they are close to claiming victory as the building was put back on the market by Equity Estates as a pub for an undisclosed sum.

Save The Heathcote campaigner, Emma Griffiths, said: “It is official, The Heathcote Arms is officially up for sale or lease as a pub. 

“Extremely exciting, but until Equity Estates actually sell it and we're supping a pint at the bar, all is not yet over, I want to say thanks to everyone your help so far.”

In December last year, Blur singer and former Leytonstone resident Damon Albarn offered his support to save a pub at threat of closure.

Comedians Alan Davies and Sean Hughes also lent their backing to the campaign.

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.