Eight community pubs in Bolton have collected 39 'bags for life' worth of food to donate to a foodbank.

The pubs, part of Proper Pubs, joined the Heroes of Hunger campaign to 'help those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis'.

Proper Pubs is the community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which has more than 200 pubs across the UK.

The initiative was part of their FoodFest weekend last month which coincided with National Foodbank Day.

Family fun days and music festivals were organised, and customers who donated food were given a raffle ticket for a chance to win a bar tab at their closest Proper Pub.

Across the UK, Proper Pubs collected more than 1,000 'bags for life' worth of food and raised more than £5,200 to donate to their local foodbanks, enough to feed 1,300 people.

Beeley's Bar, Chorley New RoadBeeley's Bar, Chorley New Road (Image: Supplied)

Mark Brooke, managing director at Proper Pubs, said: "I am absolutely blown away by the fantastic efforts of our operators in Bolton and their incredible communities.

"Choosing to support local foodbanks was a cause close to the hearts of many at Proper Pubs, so it’s great to see what an impact we’ve managed to have in such a short time.

"We’ve always championed community pubs because we believe they are so much more than just a place to drink, but rather social hubs that bring people together and support one another, and I think this campaign stands testament to that.

"As ever, I’d like to extend my thanks to all our operators and customers who have helped to feed hundreds of families through their donations.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing how we can make a difference in our local communities this year."

Proper Pubs is 'always looking to support its communities' through an annual schedule of events and fundraising initiatives, from Easter egg collections to charity walks.

Alma Inn, BradshawgateAlma Inn, Bradshawgate (Image: Supplied)

In March, Proper Pubs was crowned Community Pub Operator 2024 at the Publican Awards, and in the lead-up to Christmas 2023, Proper Pubs donated 20,000 Christmas selection boxes and other festive treats to local charities.

Throughout 2023, each Proper Pub raised funds to have a defibrillator installed at each pub.

Having completed this challenge, with 11 lives saved thanks to the outreach, Proper Pubs is now focusing on foodbanks to support those struggling.

The pubs were 

Alma Inn, Bradshawgate

Beeley’s Bar, Chorley New Road

Gilnow Arms, Deane Road

Keg & Thread, Halliwell Road

Lamb Hotel, Blackburn Road

Lord Raglan, Halliwell Road

Royal Hotel, Vernon Street

Victoria, Market Street