CAMPAIGNERS hoping to prevent the demolition of a landmark pub have appealed to the Prime Minister for support.

The Save the White Horse group, in Darlington, wants a meeting with Tony Blair to discuss their efforts.

The pub, in North Road, is to be pulled down after borough council planners approved the controversial development. Fifty-five apartments will be built in its place, under proposals put forward by Premier Homes.

But residents have vowed to continue to fight against the development. They have already secured a parish referendum on the matter and are now calling on Mr Blair to meet members.

Group spokeswoman Gill Cartwright said: "The local residents feel as if they are gradually losing all their amenities and feel that community spirit is being lost as a result of this.

"They feel disappointed that the council has not helped to protect their amenities, even though they have a policy in place to do exactly that.

"We hope that Mr Blair will meet with us to discuss some of the issues involved."

The council said planning committee members made their decision in accordance with national guidelines and the demolition now rests with the developers.