Thirsty villagers help hospice in lockdown ale giveaway

GIVING away one of his ales to villagers in Milford and Sway helped a pub landlord raise £1,185 for Oakhaven Hospice.

Brendan and Julie Treacey, who run the Hare & Hounds in Sway and The Smugglers at Milford, helped the Lymington hospice by handing out pints of what remained of one of their real ales.

Both outlets, which are closed but offering takeaways, set up a stall and – with staff donning gloves and being extra careful.

They handed out quantities of the ale to villagers, who turned up with empty milk cartons, in exchange for a donation to the charity.

A maximum of eight pints was handed out to customers – who were limited to one visit per day – by staff, including Jamie McAlonan and Luke Gregory.

“We wanted to thank everyone who supported us in recent weeks and the long years we have been here,” the Hare & Hounds posted on Facebook.

"We have the most amazing customers and staff and will be back open as soon as it is safe and we are advised to do so."