A former pub is set to be transformed into an educational training site by a charity.

The Anchor pub closed around 2010 and has been left empty and currently 'does not contribute positively whatsoever to the area'.

Now a charity hopes to bring it back to life - as a site for non-residential education.

A planning application - which does not name the charity - has been submitted to Southampton City Council.

It said: "The existing ground floor commercial unit at 76 East Street has been vacant and fallen into disrepair over the years.

"It currently detracts from the street scene and does not contribute positively whatsoever to the area.

"To bring the commercial element of this building back to life, it is proposed a change of use... where it is envisaged a local charity will operate from.

"The application should be welcomed and applauded given it brings back a vacant commercial unit into suitable use, in a sustainable manner."

The pub was previously known in the 1860s as The Oriental Arms before it became The Anchor Stores under the Anchor Brewery. When it was bought by Scrase's Star Brewery it was then renamed The Anchor.

The empty building sits between a newsagent and a tattoo parlour.

The application adds: "Externally, the existing set-back entrance doors are to be removed and replaced with black framed glazed entrances on the existing building line.

"Whilst its former use as a public house suited having a set back on the ground floor to allow users an area for smoking, this is no required and the set back lends itself for antisocial uses.

"The new facade retains a set back from the upper floors and so the initial design intent of the building is retained and the changes are not considered harmful, moreover they help bring back the building into use and remove an area susceptible to antisocial activities.

"As well as the positive employment and economic benefits the proposals will also generate community benefits."