Pub is the Hub launches in Wales

At least 50 rural Welsh pubs could get help to offer new services under the Pub is the Hub scheme.

A new grant from Prince Charles' Countryside Fund has kickstarted the rural pub regeneration scheme in Wales, where Pub is the Hub's official launch has taken place.

Pub is the Hub received the money for projects to encourage licensees, pub owners, councils, and local people to work together to add services to pubs to help communities.

This could include, for example, post offices or internet services.

Pub is The Hub said it would work closely with Welsh Assembly government and local authorities to identify priorities for community services throughout Wales, where there are over 3,500 licensees.

"Pub is The Hub aims to identify at least 50 potential projects in Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd, Ceredigion, Wrexham and Powys, as well as Denbighshire, Flintshire and other counties."

Licensees, community groups, the Welsh Assembly Government and other public and private sector "partners" attended the launch in Llwynywermod.

John Longden, chief executive of Pub is the Hub, said: "We are delighted to have the backing of the Prince's Coutryside Fund to enable Pub is the Hub to set up in Wales.

"We will be working with volunteers and partners in Wales to help retain and improve vital local services, helping local businesses thrive and bringing residents together via the pub as the heart and soul of the community."

For more information, see www.pubisthehub.org.uk .