A pub has shown its support for the NHS by lighting up its exterior blue to coincide with the weekly Clap for Carers.

The Chequers Inn in Laddingford, near Maidstone, glowed from the lights, which were installed by one of its regulars, despite being closed due to ongoing social distancing restrictions.

Run by a husband and wife team, Tracey and Charles Leaver, the inn has also started to offer delivery of freshly cooked meals for vulnerable members of the community and those self-isolating.

The long-standing publicans, who have been at the Laddingford pub for more than 26 years, have also championed a local initiative to place teddies in the windows of buildings in order to demonstrate collective spirit in the community during the pandemic.

Mrs Leaver said: “The pub has long been the central hub for communities across the country, something we’ve been passionate about upholding over our last 26 years at the helm of the Chequers Inn.

"Despite being closed, our position as a hub has become more important than ever to us, and the lighting up of the pub, running the delivery service and other activities is just our way of showing our appreciation for the NHS and key workers, as well as doing what we can for the local community.

"My husband's daughter as well as many members of the local community work in the NHS, so it’s very close to our hearts.

"Seeing the positive comments across social media and being able to give something back makes all of the effort worthwhile and we're very much looking forward to getting together with the community to enjoy a drink once we're through the other side of the pandemic."

For more information about the delivery initiative visit the pub's Facebook page

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