Award for community-run pub that goes 'above and beyond'

Judges commended Bamford’s the Anglers Rest, which is run by the Bamford Community Society, for providing support and encouragement to other community groups who wish to save their local pubs.

The society has helped ten fellow community pub projects held at a networking event in April. Judges also recognised the huge range of services the pub offers the local community, including: a post office, café, dry-cleaning, art gallery and farmers market.

James Alcock, who is responsible for the foundation’s frontline services, praised the high calibre of entries for the award and said: “The judges’ votes were often split due to the calibre of the entries and we’re absolutely delighted to recognise everyone for their fantastic achievements.

“The awards celebrate all that makes community co-operatives great – their co-operative ethos, their community engagement and their approach to overcoming the problems rural communities face together.”

According to the Plunkett Foundation, there are now 35 co-operative owned pubs in the UK. The Plunkett Foundation provides support and advice to communities setting up or already running community enterprises in rural areas.