Pub is the Hub founder John Longden gets OBE recognition in New Year's Honours List

Longden, founder of the Prince Charles-backed organisation that helps pubs diversify to provide services for their local communities, received the honour for “voluntary services to rural communities in the UK”.

Pub is the Hub was founded in 2001 and now operates across seven regions in England and Wales, offering advice to anyone who wants to add services such as post offices and shops to pubs. Hundreds of schemes have been completed with help from the organisation.

One year ago Pub is the Hub launched a Community Services Fund to help pubs diversify, with a plan to raise £1m over two years. The Government initially donated £150,000, with Diageo, the Campaign and Real Ale and Greene King also donating.

In March Pub is the Hub was named Best Industry Initiative at the Publican Awards.

Longden said: “I was really delighted to receive news of the honour. Most exciting of all is that it is great recognition for Pub is The Hub and all the fantastic licensees, voluntary advisors, pub operators, local authorities, sponsors and supporters that have been involved for the last twelve years. I hope everyone can take great pleasure and excitement in sharing this news.”

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said she was "absolutely delighted" at the news.

“John has been an inspirational leader and founder for Pub is the Hub. No one has done more to champion the vital role pubs play in local communities, or worked harder to give the practical help needed to help so many pubs to diversify and thrive.  This honour is so well deserved.”