STAFF from the Derby Arms pub in Rainford has been chosen to feature in a national campaign to urge people to visit their local pub this month.

CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale have launched their ‘Pubs and the economy’ campaign to promote the benefits of pubs to the British economy and encourage their use in a traditionally quiet month for the industry.

With 26 pubs closing per week on average nationwide, the January lull could spell the end for many local pubs.

The Derby Arms was one of the pubs chosen from across the UK to feature in the campaign, following a request for stories of pub staff.

Billy Evans, Licensee of the Rainford pub said: “When we took over in June 2013 there was one part-time member of staff, now we have five and would like to employ more, but the current economic climate doesn’t allow. So we work all hours to try and keep our heads above the water.”

CAMRA is also calling for the Government to put a freeze on beer duty in the 2014 Budget and is calling for people to contact their MP.

Mike Denner, CAMRA chief executive said: “Many of us only visit pubs over Christmas but if we want British pubs, which are such an important part of our economy and way of life, to survive then we need to support our local all year round.”