AT a time when many traditional British pubs are struggling to survive, bosses at one town centre watering hole are hoping to buck the trend.

Industry experts say the pub trade is facing the toughest time in its history, with landlords fighting to remain the hub of a community.

But bosses at the Fox and Hounds, in Shildon, County Durham, have gone one step further by reopening the venue as a community pub.

The focus will be on hosting activities asked for by residents and then investing the takings in the community the pub serves.

Licensee Chris Jones said: "The pub has to make money to pay the bills, but any surplus will go back to the community.

"As a social enterprise, it will hold activities that local people want.

"We will run our own community projects and support initiatives people want us to help."

After being empty and for sale for six months, the market place pub was bought and refurbished by environmental organisation The Seymour Trust.

The trust, which promotes recycling and environmental issues in Shildon and Bishop Auckland, will run it as a not-for-profit venue and though some staff will be paid, there will also be volunteers.

Mr Jones said: "The pub already had a loyal customer base, people who have been in Shildon a long time and care about it.

"So they are pleased their traditional pub is back and want to roll their sleeves up and get involved in the community."

To buy the pub, the trust received money from the Local Investment Fund - a public/private sector partnership that offers loans and support to social enterprises.

Trustees hope to renovate outbuildings as a function room for community and fundraising events.

Two initiatives have been set up. On Monday, from 8.30pm, the first in a series of free jamming sessions will be held.

Mel Lewis, former guitarist with Sixties group The Downliners Sect, started the sessions to support and promote musicians of all genres.

The pub will also work with food charity FairShare to redistribute unwanted food from shops and restaurants to voluntary groups or vulnerable people.

It also hopes to offer financial support to individuals and apply for grants on behalf of sports, heritage and arts groups.