Pub Awards: Best Community finalist - The Wrygarth Inn, Great Hatfield, East Yorkshire

Most couples would have been daunted at the prospect of taking on such a run down and out of the way freehouse, but the Thompsons certainly have energy to spare and they have spent the last eight years bucking the recessionary trend and turning the pub into a thriving business.

• For more information on booking your place at the awards, contact Joanne Horton on joanne.horton@wrbm.com​ or call 01293 610403.​

Its remote location has meant that serving both the local community, while also catering for the visiting tourist trade, has been key. To help with that Ray created his Disloyalty Card scheme, working with other pubs in the area to create a Hornsea Ale Trail to encourage visitors to all of the area’s pubs.

Shop​

The installation of a simple shop offer into the business also benefits locals and visitors from surrounding campsites. With no nearby facilities, the ability to pick up a few distress purchases while popping in for a pint has proven a popular addition to the business.

The pub puts charity at the heart of its operations as well, with various fundraising events held throughout the year, ranging from Sandra doing parachute jumps and wingwalking, and regular donations of food and drink to homeless charities across the region.