A BURY pub has been recognised for its impact within the community by being shortlisted for an award.

The Victoria, in Walshaw, is one of 50 small firms to receive a nomination for the North West FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards, which celebrates the achievements of small businesses from across the region.

The pub, in Hall Street, was taken over by its current owners Richard Moore and Lisa Wrigley last March, and they have quickly set about turning it into a hub of events for Walshaw.

Their efforts have been recognised with a nomination for a Community Impact award, one of 12 awards to be presented at the ceremony, which will be held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa on March 21.

The winners from each category will go through to the FSB’s UK national business awards, the final of which is in London in May.

The Victoria regularly supports several community events and initiatives - they host locally organised craft and book clubs, support nearby Christ Church Walshaw and hold live entertainment nights each week.

The pub recently underwent a major refurbishment and held a reopening party to celebrate last month.

Mr Moore said: “It’s a real thrill to make the shortlist and we can’t wait for the finals. Building our business around community engagement has been a great way to meet people and understand the needs of the local people.

"Running a small business is tough, so it’s fantastic to see the judges have recognised that we go the extra mile on a regular basis.

"We hope to be leaving with some silverware on the day but even if we don’t we’re still pleased to have made the grade for a shortlist place during our first twelve months of trading.”