A Westhoughton pub is aiming for an unprecedented treble by collecting the title North West Community Pub of the Year for the third year running. For the last two years the Red Lion on Wigan Road pub has beaten stiff competition from around the region to be officially named the pub which does the most for its local community.

This year licensees George and Gina Tipton have been nominated by Mayor of Bolton Cllr Peter Finch.

And the Red Lion has now reached the short-list for judging for the title of North West Community Pub 1999.

Pub regulars have raised thousands of pounds during the last few years for charity.

Money has helped buy wheelchairs for a young women stricken with arthritis and a 10-year-old disabled boy.

And George organises a special luncheon club for the elderly once a week called Red Lion Seniors.

He also has helped organise five-a-side football at the Westhoughton Summer Show, pantomime trips for local children and days at the races for regulars.

George and Gina have also won Greenall's pub of the month awards twice and the brewery's Heart of the Community award three times.

A panel of judges from the Brewers' and Licensed Retailers' will now compare the work at the Red Lion with that of six other North-west pubs.

The winner will receive £1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice and progress to the national final, where a £10,000 prize is on offer.

A LITTLE LEVER pub which is home to the local canoe club just missed out on reaching the regional final. The Jolly Carter, on Church Street, earned its nomination for its charity work and input into sports and scouting activities in the community. Rees Gibbon has been licensee of the pub for the past 19 years.

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