TRADE unionists in Northumberland have launched a fundraising drive to save their local pub and turn it into a community benefit society.

Horncliff near Berwick-upon-Tweed is currently without a pub for the first time in more than 200 years after The Fishers Arms served its last pint in October.  

However, BFAWU and RMT union members have joined forces with local trade councils and villagers to help raise the £296,000 needed to buy and renovate the site for the local community. 

Actor Robson Green has also backed the initiative, which began with a public meeting last week.  

Fundraisers, who praised the organising skills of local trade unionists as “vital to getting the project off the ground,” told the Morning Star that more than £100,000 had been raised so far.

Villagers want to give the pub an authentic Northumbrian identity by serving drinks from local breweries and suppliers, they stressed.

It will also become “a safe haven in times of extreme weather conditions, providing warmth and food and ensuring everyone is looked after,” they said, adding: “We need to keep our rural communities alive, as we have already lost so many amenities.”

The campaign’s Moira Kay told the Star: “The Fishers Arms is much more than a pub; our vision is to create a vital community meeting space, uniting people together in the spirit of co-operation and friendship, alleviating social isolation.

“Our pub will be the hub. Please support our efforts to keep our village alive and vibrant.”

More information about the campaign and details on how to donate is available at: www.fishersarmshorncliffe.org