Local MP Sarah Newton swapped life in Westminster for a stint behind the bar in Mylor last week.

Mrs Newton, who represents the Falmouth and Truro constituency, dropped into the Lemon Arms to find out more about the pub trade and the issues affecting it.

She became the fifth Cornish MP to accept a personal invitation from St Austell Brewery's Managing Director, James Staughton, to visit one of their local pubs and spend a night pulling pints.

Mr Staughton said: “I am delighted our MPs have taken the opportunity to show their support for the industry and learn a bit more about the pressures faced by pubs and their staff. Pubs play a vital role in our economy and are often the hub of local communities.

“St Austell Brewery is committed to ensuring that local pubs retain their special character and remain vibrant places, well placed to serve their communities in the years to come.

“While we are confident the vast majority of pubs in the region can have a strong, positive future we know only too well the daily pressures in adapting to customer behaviour and market change and it is a sad fact that in some cases the viability of individual pubs will be threatened.

“Issues such as record levels of red tape and beer tax need addressing if we are to help protect this great British institution and promote safe, responsible drinking - and our MPs can help make that happen.”