A couple have been given a long service award to mark 26 years of running a pub.

Dave Whitcombe and his wife Delph became licensees of The Gore Court Arms in Sittingbourne in July 1994.

Much to their credit, all the pub’s 10 members of staff are also long-serving – some with more than 20 years under their belts and no-one with less than five.

Delph said the highlight of their time at the Park Road boozer was overcoming challenges in their own work.

“I am most proud of surviving difficult times,” she said. “Covid-19 is one of those times, though the most worrying we have had to contend with.

“Although trade is down since reopening, I am encouraged by how many people have come back, especially given our clientele is older and so more wary of going out. We are also bringing back all our staff, which I am delighted to be doing.

“So thank you to our darts teams and regular drinkers for all your support over the years and, I hope, during the months ahead, and thank you to our hardworking staff. As the award indicates, we’re not going anywhere. We’re here for the long-term.”

During lockdown, the couple of 30 years gave the pub a refresh and increased its seating capacity in the garden from about 20 to 45.

Inside, the bar has been cordoned off, social-distance markers have been laid out on the floor and hand sanitisers have been fitted.

Delph said The Gore Court Arms was the couple’s first pub of their own and the only one they have ever wanted.

“Dave was brought up in Chatham and so already knew it,” the 52-year-old added. “We’d seen a few other pubs but immediately knew this was the one for us as it had a great atmosphere. It’s a bit like viewing a house. You know in the first 10 seconds.”

During their time at the watering hole, Dave and Delph have helped raise over £20,000 for charities including for the ROHHAD Association, a cause close to Delph’s heart.

"I am most proud of surviving difficult times. Covid-19 is one of those times, though the most worrying we have had to contend with."

She said: “ROHHAD synodrome is a rare terminal condition affecting approximately one in 73 million people worldwide, causing previously normal healthy children to gain weight and have breathing difficulties. A good friend’s daughter has it, so we have raised a lot of funds for the charity over the years to help discover the cause of the disease. Every penny raised goes to research.”

Dave used to play darts professionally in the 80s and 90s, along with Eric Bristow and Jockey Wilson, and twice won the World Masters, whilst Delph played darts for the county.

The pub, which dates back in part to the late 1800s, has four darts boards – two trebles and a traditional doubles board - and a pool table. It shows live sports on a big screen and hosts regular pub quizzes and occasional music and karaoke.

Its current opening hours are 12-7pm Monday to Wednesday, and 12-11pm Thursday to Sunday.

The long service award was given to the couple by pub company Star Pubs & Bars.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne