THE big role played by South Cumbrian pubs in community life features in this selection of pictures from The Mail archive as national reports show an avalanche of closures.

UK Hospitality, which represents 90 per cent of the industry, claims 16 pubs, bars and restaurants are closing every day and has called on whoever wins the General Election to reform business rates.

The threats faced by pubs are nothing new and have included cheap supermarket drinks, the ban on smoking in public spaces and the rise of developers keen to turn traditional pubs and hotels into apartments or sites for housing.

The Mail, on Saturday, January 27 in 2001, noted: "Traditional Cumbrian pubs are dying off and being replaced by trendy bars.

"Private developers are turning pubs into private homes and the trend is set to continue with more than 6,000 pubs nationally due to be sold off.

"Scottish & Newcastle Brewery, a major supplier of pubs in Cumbria, announced last week it intended to dispose of 740 of its 2,373 managed houses within the next six months.

"The company will concentrate its efforts on pub restaurants, lodge hotels, branded bars and large traditional pubs.

"Whitbread is also selling 3,000 pubs and Bass 1,000.

"Now Cumbrian experts are warning the process is part of a long-term and possibly irreversible trend."

Pubs, inns and hotels provide the regular meeting place for a wide variety of South Cumbrian clubs, hobbies and social groups.

There also form a base for pub sports and leagues, covering everything from soccer and bowls to darts and pool.

Pub regulars have also raised many thousands of pounds for a bewildering number of good causes.

Among out pictures is a presentation outside the Wellington at Dalton in October 2003 after Keeley Hudson and Vicky Churchman organised a band night and pub crawl.

The events resulted in a £1,047 donation to the Furness Oncology Appeal.

In November 1998 staff and regulars at the Bay Horse pub, on Hawcoat Lane, Barrow, had reason to feel proud after handing over more than £500 for  St Mary's Hospice at Ulverston and Children in Need.

It was raised fun and games on Bonfire Night, a 24 hour pool marathon and new pub manager Steve Johnson agreeing to have his head shaved.

In September 2002 a cheque for £1,081 was presented at the Wheatsheaf, Barrow, to nurses from St Mary's Hospice.

Ged Arrowsmith had organised a sponsored swim with some of hs work colleagues, family and friends at Cannons Health and Fitness.