A well-known Cornish brewery has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help it survive until the pubs reopen again, warning "There is a real risk that Skinner’s Brewery won’t be around."

Skinner’s, based in Truro, is responsible for some of Cornwall’s most popular beers, including Betty Stogs, Porthleven and Lushington’s, and has set an ambitious target of £100,000 which it says will help keep it operational until pubs start to reopen - which for indoor use won't be until May - and their income streams begin to pick up again.

In their crowdfunder, Skinner's Brewery states that: "We never thought we’d have to write this, but there is a real risk that Skinner’s Brewery won’t be around for that bright future we’re all dreaming of.

"Covid has left us running on empty here at Skinner’s, and we need your help to survive."

There is some good news for Skinner's, however, as, since the campaign went live on Monday (March 1), it has raised over £35,000, and did so in under 24 hours.

Owned by husband and wife team, Steve and Elaine Skinner, the brewery was in a transitional phase when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, leaving it in an extremely vulnerable position.

Falmouth Packet: Steve Skinner of Skinner's BrewerySteve Skinner of Skinner's Brewery

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Elaine said: "We lost about 70% of our turnover last year.

"Not only were pubs closed, but our other incomes streams, like brewery tours and our newly refitted tap room, were all decimated.

"We’ve fought tenaciously to secure the future of the brewery for a year now and we can see light at the end of the tunnel – we just need help getting over the final hurdle!"

During normal times, the brewery would offer tours of the brewery alongside their tap room, onsite shop and their Old Ale House in Truro, however, these attractions have become an impossibility during the local and national lockdowns.

Steve added: "We want to turn what has been an incredibly tough experience into a positive, using this moment to reset and move forward with greater clarity and purpose than ever before."

By supporting the day-to-day operation of the brewery until May, the cash raised by the crowdfunder would allow the team to start brewing a wider range of beers once again and, if enough is raised, purchase a canning line to open up a whole new world of possibilities for the band of brewers.

Steve explained: "We’re not asking for hand-outs, we’re asking for a leg-up over the final hurdle, and into that bright future where we can all raise a pint together again!"

The brewery has also organised a range of exclusive gifts and rewards for those that take part in the fundraiser.

If you would like to donate to the Skinner's Brewery campaign, you can visit their Crowdfunder page by searching: Love Cornwall? Love Skinner’s beer? We need YOU!

You can also find out more on their YouTube channel: Skinner's Brewery.