Four pubs in Powick and Callow End, near Worcester, will get extra financial help that could mean the difference between them staying open and being forced to close.

The Bluebell Inn, in Callow End, and the Red Lion, Halfway House and Three Nuns, Powick, all look set to be given a rural rate relief grant, designed to help businesses in rural areas.

The lump sum is deducted from their business rates, which means if the pubs are paying their rates monthly they will pay less, and if they have paid for the year they will be given a refund.

The move has been welcomed by local councillor Tom Wells.

He said: "I'm delighted about this because it can amount to a few thousand pounds and that is the difference between a rural pub surviving in the current economic climate.

"They are pubs in the local community and a vital meeting place. It would be a sad day if any of them had to close.

The landlords of the pubs agreed the money would come in very useful.

Stephen Croft, of the Halfway House, said: "It is very difficult at the moment. All the laws are changing with drink driving and the smoking the ban.

"The grant is very helpful at the moment to keep ourselves afloat."

In Callow End, landlady of the Bluebell Inn, Sue Donohoe, said: "I am ecstatic, especially in the light of the floods. It will be a little bit less I have to find each month."

Most of the grant comes from central Government through business rates and the rest is made up by contributions from Malvern Hills District Council and Powick Parish Council.

It is an annual grant for 2007-2008 and pubs can also apply for it for the next financial year.