The Shilton Arms in Shilton, owned by Punch Taverns, has given residents from three local villages an opportunity to get to know their neighbours and bring back the community spirit.

Licensee Steve Greenway, who also runs the Rose and Castle in Ansty, invited residents from Ansty, Shilton and Barnacle to attend the ‘get to know your neighbour’ evening where they mingled over some drinks and found out who they lived next door to.

Steve said: “It was great to see everyone mingling and getting to know each other. All the customers really enjoyed themselves and we received some fantastic feedback with many people booking themselves in for Christmas meals and New Years Eve. Although I didn’t see as many new faces as I hoped, the locals got to meet people they hadn’t met before and hopefully they will continue to use the pub as a venue to get together.

Mr Paul Smith, who has lived in Shilton for 11 years, said: "It was a fantastic idea. It was a great way to catch up with neighbours who I don’t see socially on a regular basis. Oddly enough, I even met some neighbours for the first time that have been living around the corner from me for the past three years. It was a great atmosphere and it was nice to have all the neighbours in the same room as it felt like ‘our’ pub. I look forward to catching up with everyone again."

Steve added: “It’s not too late for those who were unable to make the evening, as we are holding our annual ‘locals’ night’ on 30th October, where regulars can bring along two guests and get a free drink. By holding these regular community events we aim to become a focal point in the community.”