AN actor has been pulling pints at his local pub as part of efforts to save it from closing its doors.

The Swan, which is the only pub in the village of Enford between Salisbury and Pewsey, closed on June 22 due to rising costs – something that has sadly become more common in the UK in recent years.

But the pub, which has stood for 350 years, reopened on August 8 after villagers who had previously watched their local bakery, post office and shop disappear banded together to save the village’s last remaining amenity.

The volunteer-led operation saw people spend their free time to repair and paint the Grade II listed building, as well as taking a crash course in bar work.

One of those volunteers that did not want to see the pub close is the actor Rupert Everett, which many will recognise as the voice of Prince Charming in the Shrek films, as well as appearing in a number of high-profile Hollywood films, including the 1984 drama Another Country, alongside Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding, and in the dual role of Camilla and Carnaby Fritton in the 2007 St Trinian’s remake.

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More recently he wrote, directed and starred in the Oscar Wilde biopic, The Happy Prince, and he also starred alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the Oscar nominated 2023 film, Napoleon.

Rupert, who lives in the area, is now one of 30 volunteers who man The Swan, with his new role seeing him pulling pints for thirsty customers.

He said: “There has been an amazing effort by the community to keep this pub open. Times are hard for rural pubs and this is the heart and hub of the village. I think that it is important to express my support.

“I have recently joined CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale – as I know that real ale is the lifeblood of pubs both locally and nationally.

“Our small local breweries need our help, cask ale must survive – it is almost a uniquely British tradition.”

Steve Stringer, secretary of the Salisbury and South Wiltshire branch of CAMRA and an Enford resident, said: “I am excited that Rupert has chosen to support the campaign.

“As a lover of cask ales, it is only natural that he wishes to join us and to see him behind the bar serving the locals, shows his solidarity with the community effort.”

The Swan is open from Thursday to Sunday for drinks and bar snacks, with cask ale offerings from local breweries.