A CAMPAIGN to save a much-loved building was under way in Ainsworth a half century ago.

Schoolmaster and part-time archaeologist Mr Alan Spencer was eager to save a black and white timber cottage at Dearden Fold.

The cottage was believed to date back to Elizabethan times and was a landmark in the village.

It adjoined a row of other houses, all of which were more than 100 years old.

However, all of the buildings were due to be demolished by Bury Council, inside whose borders the land fell.

Mr Spencer, secretary of the Bury and District Archaeological Society, had seen demolition men knocking down the other houses.

He persuaded them to leave the timbered one alone until he had made further enquiries.

The cottage, number 18, was believed to be more than 450 years old and had been included for preservation in a list drawn up by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

They deemed that it was a building of "architectural and historical interest".

When the Corporation Clearance Order for Dearden Fold had been obtained, the property was not to be included.

However, because the other homes were to be pulled down, the owners of number 18 had agreed to its demolition.

After intervention, it had been agreed to let the building stand.

Mr Spencer said: "I am hoping that a public fund can be started to save the house.

"If necessary I will arrange the reconstruction work myself."

The cottage, now understood to date back to 1691, still stands and now has Grade II listed status.