A group of campaigning villagers met with the former Poet Laureate who has become a champion of their cause.

Sir Andrew Motion has backed Hatfield Peverel residents in their bid to save an ancient meadow in the village from developer Gladman, which wants to build 140 homes at the site.

The Stisted-raised writer, who held the prestigious Poet Laureate title between 1999 and 2009, wrote a blog post for the Campaign to Protect Rural England in April, highlighting residents’ plight.

Members of the Stonepath Meadow Residents Group met him after a show on his current UK tour to thank him in person for his support.

Margaret Freeman said: “When we heard that Sir Andrew would be launching his series of poetry talks in the Tara Theatre, South London, we booked up straight away.

“We were all hoping for a chance to thank him for his support after the show.”

The Secretary of State is expected to announce the outcome of the planning inquiry into Stonepath Meadow in June.