A VILLAGE pub that has become a ‘vital community pillar’ has been honoured by being named Community Pub of the Year.

Proper Pubs, the community-led division of Admiral Taverns – which owns more than 200 pubs across the country – has rewarded Chapel House in Burtonwood.

The Chapel Lane venue has been awarded with a £1,000 cash prize to recognise its amazing contributions to the communities and charities in the area.

Admiral Taverns says Chapel House has become a ‘vital community pillar supporting all aspects of local life’.

This is since operators Mike Howarth and Katie John took over in October 2022.

Since then, they have worked tirelessly to support several initiatives close to their hearts through a regular schedule of fundraising events, the chain says.

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The pub has held several fundraising events in aid of MacMillan after a resident lost their life to cancer, as well as monthly charity quizzes – hosted by an elderly regular – to raise money for Burtonwood Community Bus.

In addition, the venue has also helped to raise funds to have a ‘letters to heaven’ post box installed at the cemetery, allowing children to post letters to family members they have lost.

Chapel House hosts ukulele club – The Chapeleles – every Tuesday night, which consists of 26 members aged from 13 to 85, including two individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Matthew Gurney, operations director for Proper Pubs, said: “On behalf of myself and the whole team at Proper Pubs, I would like to thank our incredible operators Mike and Katie at Chapel House for their incredible contributions to the community.

“I am blown away by their efforts and really pleased that we have been able to recognise their hard work.

“It is so important to us that our pubs act as more than just a place to drink, but a place to support customers and residents.

“I think this shows just that, and I am delighted that we have been able to do a little something to show our appreciation.”