A COMMUNITY has rallied together to help their local pub in a time of great need.

The Cherry Tree in Urpeth Grange, near Chester-le-Street, is a pub close to the hearts of the community.

For many in the village their pub is their community.

Sadly, not only has a global pandemic closed the pub but a big leak has appeared in the roof and urgent repairs are being carried out.

Unfortunately, for the pub owners the leak is not going to be covered by the insurance.

With pubs reopening to catch up on their lost revenue the leak has disrupted those plans.

One member of the community decided to step in and help the pub at the heart of it all.

Jessica Wilson, a local resident launched an online fundraiser in aid of the pub.

She is hoping to walk 10,000 steps a day to raise money.

Miss Wilson said: “The Cherry Tree Landlady is a very good friend of mine, and close to a lot of people’s hearts and this is a very unfortunate thing to happen to anyone.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m not the fittest person in the world, but I have decided to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps every day until the May 17, to raise some money and try to help towards the cost of the repairs.

“This is to help enable them to open on May 17 or as close to, any donations would be greatly appreciated.”

Landlady Tracey Oliver said: “It’s amazing the feedback I have had from everyone offering help. We know just about all of the customers and I am overwhelmed by all of their support.

“Everyone has been missing coming to the local to meet friends and it also helps people who are on their own, as when you go there is always someone to sit with and have a chat.

“I have had a few messages off customers who have lost family members saying how the pub kept them going knowing they could come along, and they have lost all that now. Once we open, it will bring everyone back together as a community which I think is important."

Miss Wilson added: “The pub brings everyone together, and the fundraiser was just to show Tracy some support really, in helping to fund the damages to get us all back together again.”

To donate to the fundraiser follow the link: uk.gofundme.com/f/help-get-the-cherry-tree-open