REAL ale enthusiasts determined not to allow a historic Worcester pub to be converted into offices are appealing for information on its history to add weight to their campaign.

The Plough, on the junction of Deansway and Fish Street, is a 400-year-old grade II listed building which, until the summer, was run as a pub by licensee Antonio Navarrete.

He left in July and neighbouring solicitors firm Harrison Clark, which now rents the building from owner Bob Moss, has submitted two planning applications to overhaul the pub.

But the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) has vowed it will not allow the pub to disappear without a fight and is now compiling a list of objections to submit to Worcester City Council. Group spokesman Bill Ottaway said members had already been going through record office archives and had found interesting information.

"In Pigot's Directory of Worcester, dated 1835, it lists a James Cross as a beer retailer in Fish Street," he said.

"Then, in the Guide and Directory of Worcester from 1837, it lists James Cross as landlord of the Plough Inn in the road. So we know that it dates back at least 170 years."

Mr Ottaway said there must be people with fond memories of the pub dating back many years, who also have interesting stories to tell and more information about the building. Any input from Worcester News readers would be greatly appreciated," he added.

"The Plough has to be retained as a pub."

To contact Mr Ottaway call him on 01905 24408 or e-mail william.ottaway@talk21.com

All correspondence should reach him no later than Sunday, November 13, ready for representations to be put to the city council before Tuesday, November 15.

l Do you have fond memories of The Plough from way back when? If so, please contact our newsroom on 01905 742244 or e-mail wenedit@thisisworcester.co.uk