The landlady of popular country pub has announced she’s is being forced to close its doors because the cost of living crisis means it’s too expensive to keep going.

However the landlady of the historic 18th century St Michael’s Inn in Barripper near Camborne said "a miracle" might mean they could open at Easter.

Announcing the move on Facebook, Lorraine O’Brien said “super high” energy costs meant they could no longer stay open.

“It’s with a very heavy heart that we are closing," she said. "We can’t thank you enough for all your support. It’s been a very tough year and this year with super high energy costs I am unable to sustain them.

“We’ve made so many friends along the way and the support has been incredible. Lockdown was difficult but we got through it, however the running costs are putting me in a very difficult position. “I hope you understand- you will still see poppy and I around the village! You never know maybe with a miracle we could re-open at Easter.”

Neil and Lorraine O'Brien took over the 18th century pub in 2018, having spent four years running The Back Street Bistro in St Ives before the lease was bought out.

The announcement has been greeted with shock by people who use the pub with a large number of comments in response to the post.

Benjamin Quick said: “You have done so much for this community. You handed out care packages around the village during COVID, you gave away free food outside the pub during COVID not to mention the lockdown takeaways.

“You gave us live music, beer festivals, pints in the sunshine, carol singing, Easter egg hunts, father Christmas, Halloween discos, great food, Beatle [sic] drives, quiz nights, harvest festival.

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“You've welcomed dogs and children, raised funds for the Christmas lights, supported the cricket club, provided a place to watch live sports with friends and many more things. So thank you for everything you have done for this community.”

His sentiments were echoed by Rebecca Hazlehurst who said: “All these lovely comments just go to show what you meant to our village. Bless you for holding on for as long as possible. You’ve done yourselves very proud.”