REGULARS at the Derby Hotel in Whitefield are some of the most loyal customers around, according to landlord, Paul "Ossie" Osborne.

For at times when it really matters they always turn out to support local good causes.

And their latest fund-raising effort, for Bury Autistic Summer School, means that they have now raised around £20,000 for various charities over recent years.

Landlord of two years Ossie, who worked previously at the Bury New Road pub as a DJ for 10 years, said: "We choose a different charity every year and over the last five years we have probably raised more than £20,000. It's just our way of putting something back into the community."

And it comes as no surprise that the latest recipient, who has been awarded a cheque for £403, was decided over a pint at the bar.

Ossie, who runs the pub with wife Sandra, said: "Some friends of ours who drink in the pub were chatting one day and one mentioned that his sister had a child who was autistic. So we decided to raise money for Bury Autistic Summer School."

The pub organised, with the help of Ossie's brother, Steve, a barbecue, raffle and traditional pub games such as table football and pool.

They also had a large whisky jar on the bar for spare change.

Ossie thanked all his regulars who donated money and those who helped out on the day.