National Pub Week highlights all that is good with that traditional part of English life.

But it is clear that all is not well in the pub trade.

Many small breweries have closed as the cost of producing, distributing and promoting their brands has soared.

Pubs, particularly in rural areas, have been badly hit by growing rents and taxes, competition from supermarkets and off-licences and a dwindling number of customers.

And many former regulars, if not put off by drink-driving laws, prefer to drink cheap booze in the comfort of their homes.

For many pubs, the outlook is decidedly bleak. Breweries and landlords have to be imaginative to make their establishments more appealing.

But customers also bear a huge responsibility. Like the post office or corner shop, the 'local' will survive only if people use it.