A PUB which is struggling on despite a severe lack of trade wants to say thank you to volunteers who have been helping flood-hit homes and businesses on the Somerset Levels.

The Royal Oak at Stoke St Gregory has been fortunate enough to avoid being flooded but lack of custom is having an equally damaging effect.

Landlady Nicola Berridge said: “Times have been tough recently but you can’t blame people. It is off-putting when you think there is a risk somewhere will be closed or you can’t get back home.

“We have a twin skittles alley and that has really suffered. The ladies have had a dreadful season and that is our bread and butter during the winter months.”

Despite the devastating weather, the pub remains open and its function room has been used as a drop-off point for items to be donated to Flooding on the Levels Action Group (FLAG).

Nicola added: “It was amazing to see the generosity of people.

“We had everything from food, to clothing, to bedding. The function room was full; I couldn’t believe how much stuff that was donated.

“When things settle down I’m going to organise a fund-raising party to say thank you to everybody who has helped out.”