Gandalf conjures up support for campaign to save the George

Sir Ian McKellen is the latest famous name to join the fight to save a popular East End arts and music venue.

The actor, who played wizard Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings films, supports the campaign to stop a development next door to the George Tavern in Whitechapel.

Swan Housing wants to build 11 affordable flats but George landlady and owner Pauline Forster claims this would ruin her livelihood.

She rents out her upstairs rooms to artists, film-makers and photographers. The rooms are sought after because of their natural light which she says will be compromised if the plans go ahead.

Sir Ian, 68, has offered to raise awareness of the campaign as Tower Hamlets council considers whether to grant planning permission.

The campaign was started in January by Amy Winehouse and has gained the support of DJ Jo Whiley, who presented her VH1 show from the pub last week, Peaches Geldof and indie rock band The Guillemots.