A POPULAR pub which has been helping to support villagers during the coronavirus pandemic has unveiled a new NHS-themed sign to honour the hard work and sacrifice made by key workers.

The Five Bells, in Colne Engaine, has been supporting residents in the area since the lockdown began two months ago.

The pub is the HQ of the Colne Engaine Community Response group, which has its control centre there.

The group has been helping vulnerable residents with the day-to-day necessities which have been made nearly impossible by the pandemic.

Now pub bosses are looking to mark the historic events of the lockdown with a lasting tribute to NHS staff and key workers by redecorating their sign in rainbow colours.

It is hoped the sign will be a lasting reminder of the pandemic and a monument in tribute to the hard work and sacrifices made.

The pub’s courtyard has also been decorated with drawings, posters and signs in support of the NHS.

Pub owner Darran Lingley said: “We’re trying to address the new normal.

“We’ve been giving the Five Bells an overhaul since we have the chance, and we were going to make the sign black and gold, but then we though we would go with the NHS colours instead.

“It’s a way to help keep the love flowing between us, our customers and all the key workers.

“The Five Bells is currently home to the Colne Engaine control centre and we have seven officers working every day.

“We have over 70 volunteers who have been helping people with everything from picking up prescriptions to their shopping.

“We wanted to mark the occasion – this is the new normal.”

The Five Bells has been closed since March 20 and is hoping to welcome back customers soon.

During the lockdown closure, the pub has been getting an overhaul to make it safer for customers when they return.

Darran added: “Hopeful come July we will be able to welcome people back, but we want our customers to have confidence when they come to the Five Bells.

“We’ve been making the necessary modifications while we’ve had the time.”