Protection served up to 1,200 at-risk pubs in the Black Country and Staffordshire

And their new status has come thanks to the efforts of local communities and Campaign for Real Ale members.

The number of pubs nominated as ACVs has doubled in the past six months, following the launch of a joint Camra and Government initiative to protect England's most valued pubs, which was announced by Pubs Minister Marcus Jones at this year's Great British Beer Festival.

The list includes more than 30 from across the Black Country, Wyre Forest and southern Staffordshire, including the The Fountain Inn at Walsall, The Cavalier at Kidderminster, the Red Lion at Derrington, Staffordshire, Hinksford Arms in Kingswinford, The Old Bush at Swindon, Wolverhampton's Claregate, the Ashmore in Wednesfield and the Haden Cross in Cradley Heath.

The Claregate, in Codsall Road, was stopped from being turned into a care home after brewery Marston's had unveiled plans to sell the site to a developer.

After much opposition from neighbours and customers, brewery bosses pulled the plug on the deal and confirmed it would continue to be run as a pub.

And last month plans to build a shop next to the Haden Cross pub, in Halesowen Road, were refused by Sandwell Council following a strong campaign.

Under the plans, a garage near the pub would have been demolished to make way for the shop.

It would also have resulted in the loss of the pub's beer garden.

Camra figures show that 1,200 pubs across England have been listed as ACVs. The status means the pubs are protected from being demolished or converted into another use without planning permission.

Some have been registered in just the past few months.

Camra branches and community groups across the country are now working hard to get 3,000 pubs listed as ACVs by the end of 2016 to help stem the number of pub closures, which currently stands at a rate of 29 a week.

Tim Page, Camra chief executive said: "It is fantastic to see community groups across England coming together to protect 1,200 pubs across the country from redevelopment or demolition.

"This figure is a testament to the effectiveness of putting power back into the hands of local communities and giving them a chance to have a say in shaping their town centres. We hope to more than double that figure by this time next year.

"ACV status also generates vital support for local pubs and highlights the wide variety of community-orientated events and activities that contribute significantly to local civic life.

"With 29 pubs closing every week we want to secure greater support for ACV listed pubs to ensure they continue to be at the heart of our communities. With Christmas just around the corner – this is the perfect opportunity to share your support for your local by nominating it as an ACV".

Pubs Minister Marcus Jones added: "Our pubs remain at the heart of local life and Camra members have done their communities proud. We brought in community rights to allow people to list the local landmarks most important to their communities – allowing them a fair chance to bid for them should they be put up for sale.

"Now listing might not be appropriate for all establishments but where communities have wanted them they have done a great job, with 2,600 much-loved assets – from pubs to libraries and community centres – being listed across the country."

The Old Bush reopened as the Hinksford Arms two years ago after a £325,000 refurbishment which created 10 new jobs.

The pub, in Swindon Road, was closed for seven weeks while the work was carried out.

It was between the pub's leaseholder Brett Holden and Punch Taverns.

The Fountain Inn, in Lower Forster Street, was reopened two years ago after a two year closure.

It was taken over by The Backyard Pub Company in Brownhills. A revamp before opening cost £100,000.

Contractors repaired roofs, putting in new flooring and improving cellar facilities.