PUBS have had a tough time for the past decade or so.

All areas around Bolton have lost locals that once buzzed to the sound of people getting together and enjoying themselves. Pubs have long been the heart of communities and, for many of them, that heartbeat has stopped.

So it was genuinely pleasing to hear about two local clubs thriving and winning awards. The Pendle Witch in Atherton has won Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year in the annual Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) awards for South-east Lancashire.

And the Victoria and Albert pub in Horwich was recently named as Best Real Ale Pub in Bolton. Now they’re both on a shortlist for CAMRA’s best pubs in Greater Manchester.

In spite of losing so many, we still need to value our pubs and use them. They offer unique camaraderie and an atmosphere like no other. Cheers!