He was speaking after accepting an invitation to visit the Cock Tavern in Lynn Road, Downham, on Friday to show his support for the Publican magazine's second annual Proud of Pubs Week.

Mr Fraser said, "I was delighted to accept the invitation from Ann Cameron-Smith, the licensee to call in at the pub.

"The purpose of Proud of Pubs week is to draw attention to public houses as an invaluable community resource and enable publicans to show their pride in their businesses by reaching out to their communities.

"The initiative is very important this year as pubs are going through a difficult time as the cost of living rises more quickly than wages and salaries.

"Many have also told me that their takings have fallen since the ban on smoking came into effect.

"My message is – use your pub, or you may lose it. Many local shops and banks have shut down, and now the Government is closing rural post offices. Community pubs face challenging times, and I urge people not to desert them."