Eight pubs in the Helston, Lizard and Falmouth area are joining together to give locals another chance at discounted meals throughout October.

Customers to the pubs will be given an automatic 20 per cent discount off food, with all but one offering it every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through their 'Back to the Local' scheme.

It follows on from the government's Eat Out To Help Out scheme during August, which saw customers receiving discounts on their meals in a bid to encourage people to head back out and support local businesses.

This time around, however, the pubs themselves are covering the cost of the discount.

Behind the scheme is Matt Ferguson, landlord of the Queen's Arms at Breage and the Three Tuns at St Keverne.

He contacted pubs in the area to see if they wanted to get onboard - leading to eight now offering the discount to customers from next Monday onwards, with seven in the Helston and Lizard area and one at Mabe. 

Read next: Where Eat Out To Help Out was most popular in Cornwall - and how much was saved

Matt said: "The Eat Out To Help Out campaign from the government was very successful but a lot of the feedback from it was that the locals and the regulars didn't necessarily get a chance to enjoy it in August.

"The goal for 'Back to the Local' is that everyone gets a chance to benefit from a discount."

He added that the pubs making the investment hoped it would keep people supporting local businesses during the coming autumn and winter months.

Here are the nine pubs taking part:

The Bell, Helston

Falmouth Packet:

A recent renovation has seen the Bell in the middle of Helston gain a small but effective kitchen putting out food by landlords Simon and Lisa Pressland. The pub boasts an enclosed garden with a play area at the back, plus additional undercover outdoor seats with heating.

The Black Swan, Gweek

Falmouth Packet:

Situated at the head of the Helford River, the pub affectionately known as 'The Mucky Duck' is run by landlord Michael Newbury.

When Michael was approached to join the scheme he jumped at the chance, saying: “It’s a great idea, we want to welcome more locals back to the pub and encourage more trade."

Spacious dining areas allow customers to enjoy a discounted meal in comfort.

The Lion & Lamb, Ashton

Falmouth Packet:

Set in the heart of Ashton on the main road between Helston and Penzance is where you will find a warm welcome at The Lion & Lamb. Sarah and Phil are waiting with socially distanced open arms to welcome customers for their 20 per cent off meal.

The New Inn, Mabe

Falmouth Packet:

On the outskirts of Falmouth and Penryn, The New Inn at Mabe serves pub classics as well a range of other dishes.

The pub is offering 20 per off both food and soft drinks under the slogan 'Love Your Local - We Love Our Locals'. 

The Paris Hotel, Coverack

Falmouth Packet:

Overlooking the bay and the harbour in Coverack, The Paris Hotel is named after a ship which sank in the bay towards Falmouth.

Landlord Ian has run The Paris for well over a decade now and is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Customers can enjoy their 20 per cent discount sitting in the restaurant whilst taking in the dramatic October seas.

The Queen’s Arms, Breage

Falmouth Packet:

The Queen’s Arms can be found next to the village church and has been run by landlords Matt and Emma Ferguson since May 2019.

It offers covered marquee seating outdoors in addition the indoor bar and restaurant.

Assistant manager Michael Ross Williams said of the Back to the Local scheme: “It’s a great idea and it’s something we want to do to welcome our friendly locals back to the pub who may not have been able to participate in the Eat Out To Help out during August.”

The Three Tuns, St Keverne

Falmouth Packet:

Also sitting next to the church, this time in St Keverne, the Tuns is another pub run by Matt and Emma Ferguson.

It can also offer covered outdoor seating in a marquee attached to the beer garden.

Matt said: “We are looking forward to welcoming back some of those familiar faces who we’ve missed over the summer months.”

The White Hart, St Keverne

Falmouth Packet:

Across the square in St Keverne is the White Hart, run by Lesley Magill.

The pub boasts a spacious seating area and beer garden for customers to enjoy their 20 per cent discount in during October.

It was one of the first to sign up to the scheme and offer its support.