A COMMUNITY-focussed Allithwaite pub is in the final of a national competition to find Britain's friendliest business.

The Pheasant Inn on Flookburgh Road, Allithwaite, became one of 20 finalists in the award sponsored by Liberis, one of the UK’s largest providers of small business funding.

Run by the Jones family, if it wins, The Pheasant Inn will be crowned ‘Britain’s Friendliest Business’ and its owners will receive a cash award of £10,000.

The company impressed judges with its strong entry. They particularly liked the company’s customer and community ethos.

The Inn hosts regular darts and quiz nights for locals, organises and prepares Meals on Wheels twice a week, hosts two Age Concern lunches every month and raises money for the local netball team.

Judges said they’ll even give holidaying guests a lift back to their accommodation if they can’t get a taxi.

Paul Mildenstein, of Liberis, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the quality of entries and the obvious passion and devotion that Britain’s small businesses give to make sure their customers get the very best service. They should all be celebrated, but The Pheasant Inn really stood out. ”

Each finalist now has to get as many 'Facebook Likes' as possible as part of the final stage of the competition.

The number of Likes received will be considered by the judges when they make their final decision on the winner.

Support the businesses on Twitter @LiberisUK using the hashtag #BFBiz and on Facebook at facebook.com/BritainsFriendliestBiz.

Liberis launched the competition to reward hard working small businesses who think of their customers first based on their own mission to provide business-friendly finance to small businesses – many of whom are struggling in the current tight credit environment.

The company has provided over £60 million of funding to help small and medium sized businesses grow. The winner and two runners up of Britain’s Friendliest Business competition will be announced at the end of February.