HRH The Prince of Wales and the Countryside Agency has published a good practice guide to help prevent the loss of vital village services like the local pub.

The Pub is the Hub aims to encourage landlords to deliver other services on their premises, such as a post office, video shop or grocery store, in an effort to halt the decline of local amenities in rural areas.

According to the guide, six rural pubs close every week in England and Wales, more than half of all English villages don't have a pub, and seven out of ten have no local shop. It cites young people's preferences for larger pubs in towns and greater observance of drink driving laws among the reasons for this decline.

It makes sense to find new uses for village pubs, many of which are the only remaining service in the community, says the Prince in the guide.

The guide gives details of a range of schemes employed by landlords across England for the mutual benefit of pubs and local communities. These include holding church services, IT clubs, and concerts on their premises.

In line with the guide, Pub Collect has announced that 18,000 British pubs are taking part in a trial to let shoppers collect deliveries of items such as DIY, clothing and homeware straight from the pub to help keep pubs at the centre of the community.

Details: +44 (0) 870 120 6466 or www.countryside.gov.uk