Campaigners are celebrating after a "unique" pub was given protected status as an asset of community value.

The Cricketers Public House in High Road, Woodford Green was added to Redbridge council’s assets of community value list last week following a successful nomination by pub-goers.

Now the boozer is listed the owner must tell the council about any intention to sell, so that community groups can make an offer to buy it first.

The pub, near to the green, has been owned by McMullen’s since 1898.

Leader of the campaign group called “The Locals”, Bob Hughes, said that a pub has stood at the site since around 1848.

He has been a regular at the pub for around 35 years.

The 71-year-old said: “This is great for the local area.

“It is a rather unique pub with a separate public bar and lounge bar.

“Many people and groups meet here fairly regularly and there aren’t many places like this left.

“A lot of pubs have been bought up and sold for housing so we wanted to make sure that didn’t happen here.

“Coffee bars are not for me really.

“I want to thank everyone because we have had a lot of support for the campaign.”

Labour councillor Kam Rai, Redbridge council’s cabinet member for finance, said he was happy to award the pub community asset status.

He said: “I am very pleased that we have managed to afford the Cricketers Public House some protection and urge residents to come forward with other nominations they consider valuable to the community.

"It is important to ensure that community assets are not sold without residents’ knowledge, as the Lord Napier in Goodmayes unfortunately was.”