Local MP, Andrew Percy, spent last Friday night working behind the bar at the Percy Arms, in Airmyn. The evening comes as part of a campaign by the pub trade and the All Party Parliamentary Beer and Pub Group to get Parliamentarians behind the bar to gain a better understanding of the pressures facing local pubs.

Andrew Percy says, "I am greatful to Mike the landlord of the Percy for inviting me in to work a shift. As MPs we are often asked to make important decisions affecting large sections of society without really having the experience to judge properly. The pub trade is one of these sectors and that is why I think this is a really great initiative.

Having a Percy work behind the bar at the Percy Arms just seemed to make sense and I really enjoyed myself. I was ably helped on my way by bar staff Sami and Tori who certainly kept me on my toes! Pulling pints was fairly simple but figuring which glass to use for many of the other drinks really needs a degree! Apologies to those drinkers who got their drinks in the wrong glasses.

The pub trade has struggled in recent years as they try to compete against cheaper off-sales and an ever widening choice of alternative leaisure activities. Many villages have lost their pubs altogether and it is really important we all do what we can to support those that remain. The Percy Arms was certainly heaving on Friday and following my shift I now feel a little bit better informed about the trade."

Photo - Landlord Mike Farra, Barmaid, Sami Byrom, and Andrew Percy MP