ARE the regulars at the White Horse the most generous pub fundraisers in the UK? The landlord certainly thinks so.
Owner Jason Jopson, 45, says in six years the patrons of his Pilgrims Hatch hostelry have raised more than £120,000 for a number of good causes, mostly local.
He has organised a series of events including the popular annual beer festival, bike ride and the inaugural Oktoberfest and music concerts this year, all of which have been well supported.
The father of two, who is also a director of Brentwood Brewing Company, says customers at the watering hole in Coxtie Green Road, always dig deep when there is a worthy cause to support.
"It's a pleasure owning the White Horse, I never realised there were so many generous people in such hard times, and I do want to thank them for their continued support," he said.
"People have not known in the past how much money we have raised in total, so I think the regulars will be quite surprised.
"The charities that get support are not government funded, the majority of them.
"Any of us could be in the situation of caring for a serious ill child or somebody affected by cancer, I just think these are such good charities that need our support.
"But also we've have some really good fun along the way."
The pub has held a sponsored beard grow, a race night, and collection boxes regularly sit on the bar.
Since 2006, Jason, supported by his regulars, has raised £34,150 for SNAP (Special Needs and Parents), as well as £10,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Other charities to have benefited include Little Havens Children's Hospital, Saint Francis Hospice and Essex Air Ambulance.
Mr Jopson, who lives in Pilgrims Hatch, says he is a "local man who has bought a local pub".
He added: "I am just a local lad of the estate and this is me giving back."
