Saluting pubs' heroes

Ten pubs have already won £1,000 each to donate to charity thanks to the MA and S&NUK's Heart of the Community Pub Honours. Rosie Davenport salutes their outstanding contribution - and reveals the winner of a further £15,000

June and Ian Riggs The Taps, Lytham, Lancashire

Fundraising has become a full-time job for June and Ian Riggs, who have been running the Taps for 17 years. Since 1991, the couple have raised about £500,000 for a number of different charities, building up special connections with members of the community who make the Taps their first port of call in times of need.

In recognition of the outstanding contribution the Riggs make to their community, they have been selected as the overall winners of the Morning Advertiser and S&NUK's Heart of the Community Pub Honours, winning £15,000 for the charity of their choice.

"We never stop raising money," says June. "As soon as we have finished one project, someone will come into the bar and suggest something else."

The biggest event in its fundraising calendar is in July when more than 100 cyclists take part in the Taps' 30-Mile Bike Ride. Local celebrities and dignitaries, including MP Michael Jacks, are among the participants who help raise around £5,000.

The crew from the local lifeboat station are frequent visitors at the Greene King pub, and the Riggs reward their custom by organising events to support their service.

Ian adds: "The customers really get involved and lots put up prizes. My wife does most of the fundraising and gets involved with the different groups. We're absolutely thrilled to win. It really means such a lot."

Lucy Burch, The Elephant, East Finchley, London

Fuller's is understandably proud of Lucy Burch, who was made one of its youngest managers when she was just 22. She has transformed the Elephant, in London's East Finchley, establishing it as the meeting point for community groups and prompting customers to dig deep to support the local North London Hospice. Lucy takes a very pro-active approach to charity work, changing the theme of events so regulars stay enthusiastic about the cause and keep on giving.

Carol and John Cadwallader, Spring Inn, Rochdale, Lancs

A jewel in JW Lees' crown, the Spring Inn has regularly grabbed the headlines for its charity work in the 10 years the Cadwalladers have been there. The many services offered, including lending out books and organising trips to the shops for customers who fall ill, are supplemented by a host of events including garden parties and fun days in aid of the local Springhill Hospice. A newsletter keeps the area's residents informed as to how they can get involved.

Eddie and Gwyneth Cant, Colliers Arms, West Glamorgan

Reminders of the many successful fundraising events that have been organised by Eddie and Gwyneth Cant are captured in photos adorning the walls of this Enterprise Inns pub, which once counted local girl Bonnie Tyler among its customers. Music is the inspiration for much of the charitable work, although they are open to suggestions - which have included a ship's captain who selflessly offered to sell kisses for £1.

Tim and Kim Crank, The Bowling Green, Northwich, Cheshire

Brother and sister team Tim and Kim Crank set out to put the Bowling Green at the centre of local life from the moment they got the keys to the S&NPE pub. Through the support and energy of their regulars, the duo focus on raising much needed funds for the local St Luke's Hospice, which cared for one of their customers before he died. Scratch cards, collection boxes and a sponsored walk all form part of the annual fundraising efforts.

Glynis and Don Cross, The Walnut Tree, East Farleigh, Kent

Most licensees would agree that having any building work done can be stressful, distracting you from the real business of running the pub day to day. But for Glynis and Don Cross, having the builders in working on a £30,000 extension didn't alter their focus behind the Shepherd Neame pub - or their dedication to raising funds. Topping the bill of events is its own Farleigh Force music festival, which in the past has attracted as many as 300 revellers.

Mark Deamer, The Load of Hay, Bushey, Herts

Given the number of fancy-dress theme nights happening at the Load of Hay you're more likely to be surrounded by cowboys and indians than the usual jeans and T-shirt types. From karaoke to impromptu offers by customers to de-robe if regulars raised enough money, Mark Deamer and his team have made charity part of the pub's DNA. World Aid's Day is the biggest night of the year at the pub when customers generously donate prizes, such as weekend breaks, which are then auctioned.

Jerry Hudson, The Farmhouse, Horley, Sussex

When you can count an England cricketer among your regulars, you can be confident about hosting a six-a-side match against a neighbouring pub. But for S&NPE tenant Jerry Hudson, the name of the game is rasing money. The funds from this go to the Chase Ben Hollioake Fund, set up in the memory of the former Surrey and England cricketer who died in a road accident aged 24. Many more events also help with the work of other children's charities and local good causes.

Kay and Brendan Keane, The Black Horse, Fulmer, Bucks

Like many licensees, Greene King lessees Kay and Brendan Keane have found that fundraising has brought a new dimension to their business. The thank-you letters that pour in from happy customers after attending the many charity events that are held at the Black Horse are what keep the couple's energy for fundraising in their local community so vibrant. Fashion shows, balls and a village fete are among the ideas helping to bring in contributions.

Jane and Barr Pritchard, The Red Hart, Kington, Worcs

The team at the Red Hart understand more than most pubs about the value of their local community, without whom they wouldn't have a pub. Jane and Barr Pritchard took on the Marston's lease in 2002 after locals successfully overturned plans to demolish it and build a housing complex. The couple support the community with lots of events including the idea of guest bar staff, where everyone from a local solicitor to a teacher have pulled pints for charity.