AN award-winning Ramsbottom pub is looking forward to life after lockdown by appointing three new apprentices.

The Eagle and Child pub operates as a social enterprise and has helped 130 marginalised young people into work since managing director Glen Duckett took over the pub in 2011.

“We are a social enterprise so we run as a business but to benefit our community,” said Glen. “Our main focus is employing young people, especially those who are disadvantaged in the job market, such as disabled young people.”

Despite the pub not being open during the pandemic, staff and customers have continued to come together to help raise funds for a number of charities with Glen recently announcing that in over the last two years £1,700 has been raised for homeless charity StreetSmart UK and £5,300 for Lymphoma Action.

The pub has also sent out over 1,500 meals to the vulnerable through Eat Well Manchester and is now working with Red Door Bury which is offering food parcels, support and advice to people in need in Bury from its base at St Joseph’s Presbytery on Peter Street.

As well as these projects, the pub continues to run a ‘Men’s Shed’ project which aims to tackle isolation and provide people with volunteering opportunities in a garden setting.

“We’re currently learning about horticulture and basic cooking,” said Glen. “The project is focussed on men, but open to anybody who wishes to volunteer and learn new skills.”

The pub’s efforts were recently recognised at the Made in Bury Business Awards, where they won the Community Impact award.

“Thank you to the staff and customers at the Eagle and Child.,” said Bury North MP James Daly. “Raising such a massive amount for such absolutely fantastic causes is truly remarkable and you are a credit to our community.”