IF COLLECTING for charity was a sign that a pub was in touch with its community then the Travellers Rest in Shipley would be at the top of the league.

For several years staff and regulars have been holding events for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the total has now reached over £10,000.

They have raised the money through many sponsored events including runs, a car pull, a bike ride where three local lads rode along the canal from Liverpool to Leeds and annual days when they have a fun day at the pub with fancy dress and a bouncy castle.

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The pub on Leeds Road has always been a hub of the community but it was ramped up when the fundraising drive was started, inspired by two regulars Ann and Gail, whose dad passed away because of cancer.

Drinkers and staff got behind the effort, none more so than the former landlord Alan Beetham who also passed away recently, also from cancer.

Nathan Wilson, a member of staff at the pub, said everyone had got behind Marie Curie and many had visited the charity’s Bradford hospice.

He said: “They do a fantastic job, it’s unbelievable and so welcoming.

“Families are made welcome also with family rooms.”

Marie Curie nurses went to the pub to hand over certificates saying how much was raised and to thank the people who were involved and the regular customers.

Nathan said the fundraising efforts had proved so popular they would become a yearly event.

“The locals have been fantastic. They’ve done loads of work too.

“We’re doing great, it always has been a popular pub.

“We try to keep it a traditional local pub. It’s very family-friendly.”

Shelley Rean-Woolley, who took over as landlady 18 months ago, has kept the community feeling to the fore.

On Mondays the pub’s pool team, which won the local league last year, is in operation. On Thursdays there is bingo, on Fridays and Saturdays live music with bands and karaoke and on Sunday’s it’s family night.

Behind the bar, traditional lagers and wines are served, while outside two big gardens make the pub a great summer destination.

Nathan added: “It’s a massive summer pub. The screens we had out for the World Cup created a great atmosphere.”

It seems the Travellers Rest has got a successful formula, and not just for fundraising.