AFP, RYTON, EnglandIn the heart of picturesque old Ryton village in northeast England, pub regulars banded together to save their favorite watering hole in a cutthroat sector where competition is fierce. After months of campaigning, pub regulars raised about ￡150,000 (US$195,707 at the current exchange rate) from more than 300 local people who became shareholders. The pub has also been boosted by a total of ￡100,000 in a mixture of grants and bank loans. Volunteer Richard held aloft a pint of lager after tidying the pub floor, which doubles as a yoga venue. As well as yoga, the pub has also become a venue for local knitting groups, film shows and other activities, all aimed at raising cash donations to keep the place running.

Source: Taipei Times February 16, 2020 15:56 UTC