REGULARS at a Neen Sollars pub have shown their appreciation for the people running it.

Publicans Ian and Chris Ferguson and Steve Painter marked 30 years ownership of the Live and Let Live Free House last summer and the latest event enabled customers to present them with a photo collage of last summer’s celebrations.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne attended, saying: “The Live and Let Live is a truly unique local institution and has been a thriving example of how to make a pub work both as a business and as a centre of community life through difficult economic conditions.

“The pub has become a destination for both locals and visitors from the surrounding area alike, known for the quality of local beers on offer and traditional pub fare. It was good to see the efforts of Ian, Chris and Steve so well supported by their local community.”

Judi Knight, treasurer of Neen Sollars and Milson Village Hall, who organised the event, said: “The village wanted to show our appreciation for all that Ian and Chris Ferguson and Steve and Sue Painter have done over the past 30 years and we were delighted that our local MP Philip Dunne was able to make the presentation.

“It was a splendid evening and a fitting thank you to them for keeping the pub at the heart of the community throughout these years.”

Mr Ferguson said: "One of the main reasons Chris, Steve, Sue and I have stayed at the Live for so long is down to the great support we have had from the people of Neen Sollars and Milson.

“We would like to thank David Jones, Judi Knight and everyone else who was involved in the organisation of the event last year and supported us at the presentation.

“A very big thank you to Philip Dunne for taking the time to come to the Live to present us with the picture collage. Our gratitude goes to Rob Wall, the photographer, who went to so much trouble to compile the collage of photographs."