ORGANISERS of a campaign to create a community pub in Kenton have launched a share offer.

Shares, starting at a minimum of £100 and maximum of £50,000, have gone on sale to become a co-owner of the Dolphin Inn.

But time is ticking as the group behind the project have until July 29 to secure enough funds to go ahead with the deal.

The Dolphin Inn, in Fore Street, closed five years ago but hopes are high enough cash can be raised to take over the building.

Running the share scheme is the Dolphin Inn Kenton Ltd, a Community Benefit Society, started by a passionate group of residents.

The group says: ‘We believe a pub is more than just a building; it's the heart of the community.

‘A committed team of volunteers has banded together to form a registered community benefit society with a mission to purchase and restore our cherished pub.

‘We invite you to become part of our journey - your support can help us create a warm, welcoming space that truly belongs to all of us.

‘Your investment won’t just help bring a much-loved village pub back to life - it gives you a stake in shaping a warm, inclusive, and community-led future for Kenton.

'This is about more than saving a pub.

‘It’s about protecting our village spirit, creating a space for all ages, and ensuring Kenton continues to thrive for generations to come.’

Payment for the shares will only be taken if the offer to buy the Dolphin is accepted.

Launching the share scheme means the group will be able to accurately forecast how much it can bid for the pub.

Kenton Parish Council has already successfully nominated the pub building, built in about 1850, as a Registered Asset of Community Value.

Organisers are in talks with other venues which have successfully established community pubs including The Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton, and the Tally Ho! in Littlehempston.

They are also using being supported by the national Plunkett Foundation, a charity which helps people in rural areas to set up and run businesses in community ownership.

This has allowed the development of a business plan and the conditional share offer.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise £10,000.

The current target is to cover the initial costs of but more will be needed and the aim is to raise this through shares to purchase the property for the community.

Community share can be cashed in after a minimum period of five years, subject to the Society’s financial health and board approval.

Each shareholder has an equal vote, regardless of the number of shares held, ensuring democratic control.

Because The Dolphin is a registered Asset of Community Value, the owner must give the community an opportunity to raise funds to put an offer on the pub.

This moratorium lasts six months and is due to end July 30.

The group could bid after this date but the vendor is then free to open up bids to other parties.