Sheppey could get a third micropub if publican Melvin Hopper has his way.

The owner of The Heritage at Halfway, the Island’s first micropub, has applied to convert the former AYS electrical shop in Marine Parade, Sheerness, into a new watering hole.

He plans to rename it A Y’s Man (A Wise Man).

Mr Hopper, 62, and his wife, Margaret, opened the Heritage four years ago this month.

The couple had been searching for a second place for 18 months and had already looked in Minster village.

Mr Hopper said: "The Sheerness site is ideal. It is the same size as the Heritage and will seat about 30. But it has a basement we can turn into a cold room.”

The Heritage was Britain’s 43rd micropub when it opened. Now there are 500.

If Swale planners give permission, the Hoppers could be in by May. Customers have already offered to help with the painting.

There have been 29 letters of support including ‘Mad’ Mike Young of Sheppey’s Raving Loony Party who wrote: “This provides a venue for civilised conviviality and opportunity for social contact. The Heritage has been impeccably managed and is a great asset to the community.”

Sheppey’s second micropub is the Admiral’s Arm at Queenborough.