21 Proper Pubs across the East Midlands, including Newark’s Wheatsheaf and the Old Kings Arms collected over 1,200 advent calendars

21 pubs have collected over 1,200 Advent calendars to donate to community groups and cheer someone’s festive season.

Each one of the pubs across the East Midlands encouraged their customers to buy and drop them off at their local Proper Pub throughout November.

The pubs are part of Proper Pubs, an award-winning community wet-led division of Admiral Taverns, which saw Newark’s Wheatsheaf and the Old Kings Arms take part in the initiative.

Once the pubs received the advent calendars, the operators donated them to a charity or cause of their choice, including primary schools in the area, food banks and children’s hospitals.

Mark Brooke, managing director at Proper Pubs, said: “Whilst Christmas is a wonderful time of year, we understand for many that it can be incredibly challenging.

“This year, in the spirit of Christmas, we wanted to give a little bit back to those who may be struggling so that everyone has something to enjoy on the countdown to the big day.

“I’m delighted that we ran this initiative as it stands testament to the importance of community pubs and I hope it also goes someway in showing our appreciation for the ongoing support we have continued to receive from our loyal customers this year.

“I’m truly blown away by the efforts of our operators and their communities who came together to make this happen and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

The full list of pubs in the East Midlands that took part includes: New Inn, Clay Cross; Sun, Chesterfield; Brook Tavern, Glossop; Red Lion, Heanor; Ashby Tavern, Hinckley; Princes Feathers, Hinckley; Barley Mow, Leicester; Loughborough Arms, Loughborough; Cuckoo Birch, Mansfield; Hare & Hounds, Warsop; Ladybrook, Mansfield; New Inn, Mansfield; Reindeer Inn, Mansfield; Generous Briton, Melton Mowbray; Old Kings Arms, Newark; Wheatsheaf, Newark; Gardeners Arms, Northampton; Courthouse, Mansfield; Lion Revived, Bulwell; Man of Iron, Stapleford; Cannon, Wellingborough.

Proper Pubs operates more than 200 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales and across its estate, the Group has collected over 16,000 Advent calendars.