Second Community Champions programme launched

Pub is the Hub has launched its second Community Champions programme in Suffolk. The scheme, which launched in March in Essex, aims to help pubs become local community service champions.

The initiative works with local authorities to identify their priorities for local services and encourages them to support pubs in those services.

Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council's chairman, said: "At a time of economic austerity it is even more important that we maintain local services for the benefit of the community. We have pledged to support pubs to become an integral part of their communities through our joint work with partners, the Rural Economy Scheme and the Pub is the Hub."

The third scheme in North Yorkshire launches today and Cornwall is set for September.

Picture: Jamie Conway from the Big Lottery Fund; Terry Stork from Pub is the Hub; John Longden from Pub is the Hub; Cllr. Patricia O'Brien from Suffolk County Council; Dr. Wil Gibson from Suffolk ACRE; Dawn Turpin from the Suffolk Rural Economy Scheme and Stephen Thurlow from the White Lion in Lower Ufford