40 firefighters tackle pub blaze

More than 40 firefighters were called to tackle a fire at a 16th-century pub in Tonbridge, Kent, on Monday. Fire teams suspect the blaze at the Hilden Manor ­ which led to part of the roof collapsing ­ started in an electrical cupboard and spread to the ground and first floors. The pub was closed at the time and nobody was hurt.

Mitchells to raise money for charity

Lancaster brewer and pubco Mitchells hopes to raise £50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief after naming it as the company's nominated charity of 2005. A number of fund-raising events have been planned throughout the year, including sponsored fun runs and cycle rides.

Sara Cox loses pub canopy battle

Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox has been ordered to take down the seven-yard wide canopy over the roof terrace on her pub. Cox and husband Jon Carter lost their battle with planning authorities tokeep the canopy, which had been fitted without planning permission at their pub,the Lock Tavern in Chalk Farm Road, Camden,north London.

Running Horse wins food title

A Spirit Group pub, the Running Horse Inn at Bewdly, near Kidderminster, was named Best Seafood Pub of the Year for thethird year running at theSea Fish Industry Authority Seafood Awards.

Customs targets Canterbury pubs

Customs & Excise officers will be targeting pubs in Canterbury, Kent, as part of a crackdown on businesses that haven't paid their VAT. "Where no effort is made to settle outstanding VAT debts we will begin cracking down in March," said Libby Martin, deputy head of business services south. Licensees are urged to contact the Debt Management Unit on0845 797751 to settle outstanding debts.

Police seek man after pub fire

A fire at a disused Surrey pub could have been caused deliberately, police have said. Fire teams were called to the Harvester in London Road, Camberley, after flames were seen coming from the roof. Police want to talk to a man who was seen watching the fire. He was described as white, in his 20s, and wearing a white top and dark trousers.