TV's Jon Snow helps save his local pub

TV newsreader Jon Snow has helped saved his favourite pub after leading outraged locals into battle.

The Channel 4 newsman last night hailed it a "great day for democracy" as he celebrated saving his local, the Torriano in Kentish Town, North London.

Snow joined more than 100 residents and locals as they staged a protest on the steps of Camden Town Hall.

The furious protesters turned out to reject a bid for re-development which they said would kill off the popular pub.

Owners Space UK whipped up a storm because they wanted to turn the two top floors into flats and the basement - a venue for theatre and live music - into a kitchen.

Musician Pete Doherty, who also drinks at the pub, previously played a benefit gig at the Torriano as efforts to save it gathered pace.

Last night Camden councillors rejected their own officers' advice and rejected the controversial scheme because it threatened the future of an important community venue.

Snow, 61, told supporters the council's recommendations showed a "cavalier disregard" for the artistic merits of the building.

The top newsman said: "I know of no equivalent that will make up for the loss of this amenity.

"We lose it at our peril."

Protesters cheered and clapped as seven councillors voted to block the blueprint.

Snow said: "It's a great day for democracy. We had the same fight with the Pineapple pub and it's the same thing that's happening time and time again.

"People are trying to develop valuable community resources into flats at a time when you can't even get a mortgage anyway."