They might have been unable to stop their local pub closing, but campaigners can toast the securing of a rare protected status.

Time was called on The Duke of Wellington in Nile Street, Hoxton, at the end of January. But regulars Jason and Nicola Young took action and submitted an Asset of Community Value (ACV) application to Hackney Council.

Last week they found out they were successful in making the Duke the third pub in the borough to hold the status.

The owners must now inform the council before it is sold and if a group wants to buy it, a six-month buffer period can be triggered in an attempt to raise the money needed.

“It’s great news,” said Jason. “We want it reopened and this stops it being demolished. We are trying to force the owners’ hand.”

A petition, also set up by Jason, has gathered 332 signatures in a bid to stop the Duke being sold and ensure it is kept on as a pub.

The owners now have eight weeks to appeal against the council’s decision. A council spokeswoman said the pub met the criteria for listing, adding that others could nominate buildings to help ensure they remained focal points in the community.