A COMMUNITY figure has made it his mission to delight residents throughout the entire Euro 2020 campaign.

Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale has been behind the club’s successful beer garden, which has provided a place for people to sit down and enjoy all of England’s games amongst hundreds of other Three Lions supporters in a Covid-safe environment.

Steve, who has been running the rugby league club for three years now, believes the beer garden has enhanced Barrow’s reputation.

He wrote in his weekly newspaper column: “What a fantastic evening we have just provided with the screening of the European Championship Semi Final.

“The atmosphere in the ground was electric and there was a real smile on everyone’s faces as we have provided the town with something special with the fan zone experience.

“Not only that, with Covid cases on the increase we have allowed hundreds of fans to watch in a well-ventilated, spacious area, rather than

being crammed into houses and pubs.

“I didn’t manage to watch the game as I was working on a bar behind the screen but to me just to see hundreds of people from our area enjoying themselves was priceless.

“I honestly believe that what we are providing for the public of Furness through our events and community programmes is helping to put Barrow on the map.

“I have done countless interviews since we started our beer garden from Radio Five Live, to TalkSport, to Heart and Radio Cumbria, we have featured in national newspapers and there was a really nice article in League Express this week about the growth of our crowds.

“All that coverage is down to the people of Barrow.

“The supporters are absolutely fantastic, as are all the sponsors and participants of our community programmes.

“The extra income generated will be directed to facilities and the team. No individual ownership ensures that all profits get reinvested for the good of the town.

“This journey is so much better than those funded by rich owners because everyone is part of it.”