Pub shows support for troops

Licensees at a pub that offers discounts to members of the armed forces want to create a national scheme recognising businesses that support troops.

Graham and Fiona Didlick, licensees of The Sun Inn, in Clun, Shropshire, provide a 10 per cent discount on food and accommodation to members of the armed forces.

They have also launched a petition on a government website to create a nationally recognised symbol to alert customers to businesses that offer discounts for troops.

The couple recently returned from living on the Falkland Islands where they say support for British troops is more prevalent than in England. So far the they had received "overwhelmingly" positive support from the local community for their discount scheme.

Fiona said: "We have been offered a place on a website which shows members of the armed forces where they can receive discount, and someone gave us an American 'support out troops' car sticker."

"But what it is really missing is something we saw on holiday - just a simple sticker that says that your business offers a discount."

"We would like one so that if any serving member or a veteran walks in they know they will get a discount and a warm welcome," said Fiona.

Their petition reads: "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to establish a nationally recognised symbol for businesses that offer a special welcome and discount for serving members of the armed forces."

The couple, whose fathers were both in the RAF, returned to England late last year, after spending 20 years in the Falklands. The Sun Inn, a 15th century pub leased from Marston's, is their first pub.