Licensee bids to raise profile of pubs

A Kent licensee is set to walk from John O'Groats to Lands End in a bid to raise the profile of the great British pub.

Darren Apps, from Tonbridge, Kent who has the backing of London & Edinburgh Swallow Group, hopes to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Variety Club Children's Charity and persuade people to support their local.

Ronnie Nathan, chief barker of the Variety Club Children's Charity, said: "The money raised by The Great British Pub Walk will make a big difference to the children it benefits as well as enabling people to get involved in supporting their community pub.

"We wish Darren Apps every success in this incredible endeavour."

The walk, which will take place from August 3 to September 5, will aptly be called The Great British Pub Walk.

It will pass through key towns and cities including Inverness, Glasgow, Lancaster, Worcester, Gloucester, Bath, and Taunton.

It is hoped that publicans and their locals, as well as the whole community will support the walk through their own fundraising initiatives.

Mr Apps, licensee of the George and Dragon, Tonbridge, Kent said: "Hopefully by doing this walk I can raise the profile of the great British pub."

Anyone wanting to support The Great British Pub Walk through their own fundraising initiatives or by coming on board as a sponsor, should contact The Great British Pub Walk c/o Biss Lancaster either by calling Rachel Mackley on 0131 553 3328 or e-mailing Rachel.mackley@bisslancaster.com