Campaigners fighting to protect an iconic pub have raised more than £42,000 towards the cost of buying it.

The group of residents attracted £42,850 in pledges within five days of announcing their hope of buying the Turkey Inn, near Goose Eye, west of Keighley, to avoid it being bought for housing.

The Save Our Turkey group now plans to establish a ‘community business group’ and will seek volunteers to fulfil vital roles.

These will include a company secretary to set up the legal framework, a treasurer, an enthusiastic volunteer coordinator, a minutes secretary, and someone with social media skills and campaigning experience.

Group chairman Richard Pierce said he would like to hear from anyone wishing to volunteer to help with the campaign or the business.

He said a community business group was needed in order to help with Save Our Turkey’s application to Bradford Council to designate the pub as an Asset of Community Value.

Residents of communities near the hostelry hope to raise the £450,000 asking price between them.

The moves came as the Turkey – on the market as a pub business since the beginning of this year – began to attract new interest from potential buyers.

Mark Shelley, who owns the 19th-century pub with partner Heather, this week said: “As restrictions are now being lifted, we are starting to get some healthy interest from potential buyers.

“In the meantime we are looking into all possibilities of getting the pub back open in the near future.”

Mr Pierce said more than 170 people from surrounding hamlets and villages had already pledged support, including local councillors Adrian Farley and Luke Maunsell. Mr Pierce said: “Our little group’s mission is simple: let’s get the pub running again for the enjoyment of its loyal customers and help to invest in a local community landmark.

“We’ve managed to get all the signatures required to put in an application to make the Turkey an Asset of Community Value,

Cllr Luke Maunsell, whose Keighley Town Council ward includes Goose Eye, said he was worried for the future of the Turkey Inn.

He said: “I am very keen for it to continue as a local hub and hope it can be saved."

Bradford councillor Cllr Farley, whose Keighley West ward includes Goose Eye, said: “The Turkey Inn is a well-regarded community asset for the Laycock and Goose Eye community.  It brings the community together."