Regulars at an Abingdon pub who feared it might close have formed a group to help secure its future.

Greene King, the owners of the Fitzharris Arms in Thornhill Walk, Wootton Road, has welcomed the views of the Fitzharris Regeneration Group and says it has no plans to close the pub.

Following rumours of closure a group of customers formed a committee. MP Evan Harris and local councillors were lobbied and a petition, with more than 200 names, sent to the brewers.

The "Fitz" was built in 1952. During the World Cup in 2002, the pub changed its name to the Sven-Goran Eriks Inn after the former England football coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

The name change attracted international media attention.

But there has been a succession of managers in recent years and despite a £150,000 refurbishment, 18 months ago customers have been drifting away.

Nikki Bain and friend Christy Garnett formed the group with the help of Frank Isahak, chairman of the Trendell area Senior Residents Group.

Ms Bain said: "We are pleased that Greene King has said the pub will stay, but we think it's only because of our pressure and we need to keep a close watch on events."

Gordon Smith, of Greene King Pub Company, said: "We are 100 per-cent committed to the Fitzharris Arms.

"Although we have been going through a period of change, we are still striving to restore it as a community pub."