Residents in a regional Victorian town are trying to keep their much-loved local pub alive, by banding together to buy it!

The Pyrenees Hotel at Lexton, near Ballarat, is closed for what is believed to be the first time since 1859 this month, and locals are now discussing plans to save the pub.

Ex-publican from the area, Robert Payton, told 3AW Breakfast they aim to have ownership of the pub spread across several people to ensure it remains open.

Press PLAY to hear about the struggles of running a local pub now + his hopes for the locals in the Lexton area

Image: Google Maps