HUNDREDS of them were closing every month but after years of decline, rural pubs are fighting back in a bid to beat a suffering industry.

Dependent on cash-strapped communities, rural pubs were at the mercy of a loyal yet dwindling trade.

From increasing duties and rising business rates, to supermarket price wars and an ever-changing demographic – local ale houses have had it tough.

National figures suggested the lethal cocktail of costs and bureaucracy was once forcing six pubs to close every day.

Local and national campaigns were launched in a bid to save the great British institution, including one by the Campaign for Real Ale, which launched a drive to get more punters into struggling pubs.

But in an attempt to claw back business, Cumbrian pubs and inns are beginning to buck the trend of a failing sector.

Stuart Johnston, who runs the Prince of Wales pub at Foxfield, near Broughton, has been in the business for the past 20 years.

He said: “We’ve always maintained a healthy customer base and we put that down to the fact we offer that honest pub experience.

“People can come in and sample a range of local ales, with new ones on offer to sample.

“It’s a traditional pub with a warm friendly atmosphere that’s stayed true to its roots and because of that we’re seeing new customers visit us all the time.

“People come far and wide to experience what we offer and the fact that we’re across the road from the station also helps. Customers can jump off and on the train when it suits.

“To survive in this industry takes guts and perseverance.”

The Prince of Wales pub recently won one of Campaign for Real Ale’s top awards.

Last year’s Police and Crime Bill was another threat to the industry, with reports suggesting it cost the industry more than £300m.

The legislation focused on curbing binge drinking, promotions on drinks, the creation of women-only nights, smaller glass sizes, and new compulsory qualifications for staff.

In 1982, the total number of British pubs stood at 67,800, but during the recession in 2008 that number had plummeted by more than 10,000 to 57,500.

Figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reveal that 39 pubs were shutting down in Britain each week, a rate 20 times higher than in 2006.

Rural pubs were closing at around 13 a week, suburban pubs were closing at 19 a week and town centre pubs at eight a week.

The difficult trading situation also saw the average cost of a pint of beer rise from around £2.10 in 2006 to over £3 in 2015.

Total beer sales have also seen a dramatic decline over the years from nearly 39,000 in 2000 to 27,000 this year.

Fellow award-winning pub Manor Arms, in Broughton, is one of the oldest in the region – dating back to the 17th century.

It was named Pub of the Year 2015 by Camra's Furness branch.

Manager Scott Varty said the key to its success is having to courage to offer what customers want.

“My family has had this pub for over seven years and during that time there have been ups and downs but to stay strong, you have to stick to your guns and provide what your customers want.

“People come to a traditional pub for a traditional experience so we offer good honest ales – that’s been the key to our success.

“We saw what the community wanted, so we offered it. We have very loyal customers and we pride ourselves in playing a part in the community.

“If we were to have any gimmicks, our customers would see through it. A community is a powerful thing.”

Dave Latham, of Camra's Furness branch, said the tough trading conditions have tested the mettle of many rural establishments locally.

“Over recent years we have seen some local pubs close due to an increasingly difficult market place, but it has only gone on to sort out the more resilient businesses from those not so resilient.

“Those that go on to survive and prosper – and we have seen many recently – are the ones that are prepared to diversify, offer something a little different, and invest in the business.

“Unfortunately the ones that have failed we’re just not that equipped to cope with changes in the industry.

“We’re seeing the successful ones maintain a healthy customer base through pretty much anything the industry can throw at them.”