A PICKERING pub has received dozens of “inspiring” nominations as part of its Holidays for Heroes Campaign.

Victor Buchanan and his wife Marion, owners of The White Swan, launched the project after delivering hundreds of meals to NHS staff throughout lockdown.

Victor said: “The Holidays for Heroes was the next natural progression. After seeing how hard hospital staff have worked, they are so deserving of a break.

“We wanted to continue to capitalise on being the heart of our community and the support galvanised to date for the NHS.

“It has bought purpose whilst our building has remained shut. It has been and is tough for the pub industry and our sector, but we were determined not to be defeated by Covid-19.”

In readiness for re-opening on July 30, the team at The White Swan are now raising £6,000, as part of their Holiday for Heroes campaign to host 200 NHS workers, who have been nominated via their website, for an overnight stay.

Marion said: “We’ve received nominations that really leave you in tears. Family members are rightly proud of their relatives working on the frontline.

“We’ve had many dedicated nurses put forward who have worked tirelessly. Many have been isolated from their own families to protect them from Covid-19. We’ve heard how some work gruelling 12-hour shifts in busy A&E departments, cancelling annual leave, not seeing their partners or loved ones.

“It’s clear to all of us how truly inspiring these healthcare workers are, and how deserving they are of a holiday.

“This is our way of saying thank you to our frontline NHS and emergency service workers.

“It is a much-deserved chance for them to put their feet up, be cared for by our team, and have a well-earned rest.”

To donate, go to gofundme.com/f/YO18-holidays-for-heroes