ST HELENS North MP Conor McGinn has pledged his support to the brewing and pubs sector after new figures showed its contribution to the community.

The sector supports 876 jobs and provides £18 million in value to the local economy, with a report revealing that the constituency is home to 57 pubs and one brewery.

The study of the economic impact of the sector was carried out by leading independent analysts, Oxford Economics.

Mr McGinn said: “There are some fantastic pubs in St Helens North and these statistics highlight the important role they play in our communities.

“They provide a focal point in communities for people to socialise over a pint, and as these statistics show, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.

“I’m pledging my support to the brewing and pub sector in the UK and will work to support the pub industry in St Helens and the North West.”

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, added: “Our sector supports almost 900,000 vital jobs and contributes over £23 billion to the economy, and we believe our industry should be supported to ensure we can continue to invest in jobs, particularly for young people.

“In recent years, the Government has cut beer tax three times, and opted for a freeze on duty last year.

“Strong support from members of parliament and the public really helped our campaign work and I am delighted to see MPs once again show their support for such a vital British industry.”