A PUB which takes the place of shops and a post office as the place to meet has been nominated for a community award.

The Buck Inn, Cowpe, has been nominated for a national scheme that rewards pubs for the contribution they make to the local community.

Regular Anne Storey, of Cragg View, who nominated the local, said: "In Cowpe there are no shops, a post office or a bank. People who would normally meet in those places for a chat or advice go to the The Buck.

"It's not only a village pub - it's the village community centre."

Last year the pub raised more than £4,000 for local charities by organising fireworks parties, discos and karaoke eveings and is already the winner of the regional Lancashire Community Pub Award.

Doreen Williams has run the pub with husband Bryn for two-and-a-half years. She said: "We involve just about everyone in Cowpe. People are very generous with their time and money in the village - but then again, raising money is easy if you are having fun."

The Community Pub of the Year Awards are run by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association in conjunction with trade newspaper The Licensee. The winning pub will receive £10,000 which will be donated to good causes."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.