Four pub bosses have joined forces to “enable them all to thrive”.

The publicans in and around Faversham set up their ‘support group’ a few months ago and now help each other with pulling pints, sharing barrels and co-ordinating events.

Claire Hammond-Miller from The Queen’s Head in Boughton-under-Blean got the idea when she became friends with Donna and David Miller at The Railway Hotel in the town.

Soon after, Maurice ‘Mossy’ O’Flynn from The Three Horseshoes in Hernhill and Claire Ealham from The White Horse joined too, and the bosses formed a WhatsApp group

Mrs Hammond-Miller told KentOnline: “Supporting each other is the only way for us all to thrive.

“When the Railway was taken over I introduced myself to them, and said if you ever need someone to cry, shout or swear at I’m here.

“They asked me if I could help them out behind the bar at their annual Hopfest, so I did the whole weekend for them.

“Ever since then, they've helped me out, I've helped them out and we've sort of built up a really lovely little relationship.”

Mrs Hammond-Miller says the group also provides emotional support for each other.

She explains: “No one ever truly understands what it is you’re getting into as a licensee until you're actually a licensee, so to have the support of fellow licensees, is a real good thing.

“Sometimes you need an extra pair of hands, but you don't have the time to put it in to train someone, you just need staff for that off moment.

“If anybody else running a pub locally needs it, then they can just join our group and come along for the ride.”

Mossy O’Flynn, who runs his boozer alongside Laura George, says the publicans reassure each other if they’ve had a quiet period.

He goes on: “Claire approached me as she had already contacted other pubs.

“It’s not just physical support but moral support as well.

“If you’re having a bad week you’ve got someone to talk to who knows what it’s like.

“Sometimes nowadays it’s hard to break even, but you might put it in the group and someone will say ‘oh we’ve been quiet too’ and then you know it’s not something you’re doing.

“It’s a tough business and all the support you can get is quite welcome.

“We are all Shepherd Neame, so sometimes we will lend each other a barrel.”

Furthermore, if any “dodgy characters” or barred customers are spotted in the town and nearby villages, the licensees will let each other know.

Mr O’Flynn recently held his first annual Wheelie Bin Race and was worried how he would cope with the amount of people expected.

The 55-year-old recalls: “It was attended by about 450 people I think.

‘More landlords could make use of something like this as it can be a very lonely trade...’

“Claire offered her assistance behind the bar, and I will return the favour when needed.”

The new approach also ensure the pubs’ events do not clash.

Mrs Ealham, who runs The White Horse in Boughton-under-Blean alongside her husband Lee and daughter Molly, explains: “We work together, our quiz nights, band nights and the like are on different nights and the food offering is varied.

“We are all different but offer similar products. Working together means we can make an extensive choice to all of our customers.

“If they want a pub on a Monday when we are closed, I can let people know about the Queen’s or the Horseshoes.

“If they want a pub in Faversham then the Railway is your place to go and if they want a room we have them here.

“It’s just a nice way to make sure we are all working together and supporting what is a really tough trade.

“We each have someone to chat to on those challenging days when you need a sounding board.

“I think more landlords could make use of something like this as it can be a very lonely trade.

“We have only been at this pub since May 24 but have another pub in Charing Heath and would love a similar thing near us there.”