Pubs urged to go for grants
A couple that has given new life to a run-down pub are urging licensees across the country to investigate grants that could help their businesses.
Wilma-Jean Swan and her husband Peter ran the Swan Inn, in Choppington, Northumberland, for 10 years before selling it on in 2003.
But the business dwindled until the couple's daughter Kirsty Stevens and her husband Chris decided to bring it back into the family.
Over the last 18-months the couple have given the freehouse a major refurbishment - including overhauling the six bedrooms at the Inn for tourists.
Their efforts to Raise the Bar have culminated with them being awarded a three-star Quality in Tourism rating from tourist agency VisitBritain.
Kirsty said much of the money for the scheme had been found by hunting out grants from various authorities.
She said: "At first we were not aware of what was available to us but there is a lot money out there to apply for and several matched-funding schemes.
"It can be quite hard-work to get involved in the system but it is definitely worthwhile and organisations such as Business Link can help out with that."
Groups that provided help included Northumberland Tourism, Wansbeck District Council and Blyth Valley Borough Council. Similar schemes are run by other authorities across the country.
On top of the refurbishment work the couple have won a Northumbria in Bloom award and provided more live entertainment and food at the pub.
Kirtsy said: "It was heartbreaking to see the way the Inn had declined but with it back in family hands I feel that we can go from strength to strength."
