THE licensees of a Westhoughton pub could be crowned the most community spirited in the country next week.

George and Gina Tipton of the Red Lion, Wigan Road, have already been named regional winners in the Community Pub of the Year competition.

On Tuesday they could scoop the national title of the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association contest.

If the couple are named the best in England, they will get £10,000 to donate to good causes in the local community. A £1,000 cheque has already been received for the regional award.

George, who has been at the Greenalls pub for the past four years, said: "I am delighted we have received this money for the community.

"We get involved in all sorts of fund-raising and community events at the Red Lion. Last year I organised a sponsored charity bike race for the local police which raised £2,000.

"We have a pensioners and senior citizens club and they love to come into the pub for a buffet and a chat."

George is on the Westhoughton Summer Carnival Committee and last year arranged a five-a-side competition for all ages and Red Lion regulars took part in a three-legged pub crawl which culminated in a party at the pub with the winner enjoying a gallon of beer.

Fund-raising, taking the old and young on pleasure trips and organising charity events are all in a day's work for the Tiptons and they are being tipped to do well in bid to find the biggest hearted licensees in the country.

One of the judges Harry Graham said: "The Red Lion has shown that little bit extra, responding to the needs of the community and the individuals who drink in the pub."

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