ALE trails, quizzes, prize draws and lively meetings - that is what has been going on in pubs around Worcestershire this week and it all sounds rather fun.

However, if national figures are to be believed, these activities could soon become a thing of the past because your local might be on the verge of serving last orders and calling time at the bar for good.

As a result, our community pubs - those quirky haunts filled with colourful characters, cozy corners, and interesting artefacts - are appealing for your help to ensure they survive what has been a torrid year for traders.

The disastrous events of last summer's floods have had almost unquantifiable knock-on effects for residents and businesses alike but it is at this time of year that places like pubs are starting to feel the pinch.

Ros Griffiths, landlady of the Red Lion in Powick, which became a beacon of hope for villagers during the summer floods, said: "I think everybody is struggling a bit, every pub does at this time of year, but it's just particularly bad this year.

"There's too much doom and gloom about in the papers when the reality is it's not as bad as people perceive it to be."

It is no surprise then that owners, brewers, and drinkers have all welcomed the return of an initiative by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) to try to get punters out and about in Worcestershire's pubs.

Sharon Payne, landlady of the Dragon Inn on The Tything in Worcester, said she thought Community Pubs Week - now in its second year - was a good idea.

"We have got a quiz on and a Camra meeting as well," she said.

"We've had a few different people come in that we don't normally see.

"I think it's a good idea because it helps people to try different beers in different pubs."

Chris Gooch, who has been working as a brewer at Teme Valley Brewery, based at the Talbot Hotel, Knightwick, for more than 10 years, added: "I think this has come at absolutely the perfect time in Worcestershire when you think about the diabolical effect last summer's floods had on tourism.

"Everyone makes money at Christmas but everyone is skint in January and not much better off in February so people don't go out as much."

According to Duncan Ironmonger, landlord of the award-winning Nag's Head in Malvern, who also owns the Chase Inn at Upper Colwall and St George's Brewery in Callow End, it is rural pubs that are under threat of closure the most. He said a series of changes to licensing laws, including the smoking ban, in the last two years had not helped businesses.

"Smaller pubs everywhere are under a lot of pressure," he said.

"Another thing is the sale of cheap alcohol in supermarkets. The alcohol there is cheaper than I can buy it in and I buy a lot. If I get a lorry full they can get a ship full."

However, Mr Ironmonger said selling drink is not the sole purpose of a good pub.

"It's not just about alcohol, it's really about bringing people together," he said.

A rallying call is now being made to punters everywhere to vote with their feet, their mouths and their tastebuds.

"I think we take pubs for granted," said Mr Ironmonger. "People don't realise what they've got until it has gone. If you haven't been to the pub in the last month go and try one, and find a good one. If you don't like that one go to another one.

"When you find a good pub it's exceptional."

Mr Gooch agreed. "If you have a situation where you have a pub close by, use it because it needs all of the help it can get at the moment," he said. "Nobody wants to plead poverty but we just ask you recognise the high standard they provide and recognise the fact you would miss it if it was gone."

Pete Lee, aged 49, of Barbourne, Worcester, said: "They are absolutely necessary. You have to have somewhere to come and somewhere to see a friendly face. You can't always be sat in the same four walls either at home or at work."Pauline Roache, aged 51, of Moor Street, off the Tything, Worcester, said she thought pubs were very important, especially her local the Lamb and Flag.

She said: "It's just about company. I would be devastated if it ever closed."

Oliver Roache, aged 64, also of Moor Street, said the pub was "like a second home" to him.

"It's the most important thing for people," he said. "In a community pub everyone knows each other and it's like a big family. It means a lot."

John Harvey, aged 66, of Back Lane South, Barbourne, Worcester, said community pubs have given him some great memories.

He said: "They are important but some have turned into big restaurant places where nobody knows anybody."