Communities across England will be given access to a £61million fund aimed at helping them save struggling pubs and other treasured local venues from closure.

The scheme will support residents who want to buy and run valued community assets themselves, giving them a greater opportunity to prevent sites being sold off or disappearing altogether.

The funding package is due to be unveiled by Communities Secretary Steve Reed as part of wider Government efforts to support pubs, restaurants and the hospitality sector.

It follows a series of measures announced by ministers in recent months, including plans to allow longer pub opening hours during this summer's World Cup and commitments to reduce bureaucracy facing hospitality businesses.

Alongside the funding, the Government is introducing new Community Right to Buy powers designed to strengthen the position of local groups when important community assets are put up for sale.

The measures will allow residents to register an interest and gain a first opportunity to purchase venues regarded as central to local life before they can be sold on the open market, reports The Sun.

Mr Reed said: "The Government has already moved to keep pubs open later this summer and declared war on the fun police.

"This new announcement is about giving local people the power to stop their boozer and other beloved spaces closing permanently.

"So get down there, support your local during the World Cup – it's your patriotic duty."

The announcement comes amid ongoing concern about the financial pressures facing Britain's hospitality industry.

Earlier this year, industry leaders warned that an average of six pubs, restaurants and hotels could shut every day from April unless the Government revisits changes to business rates.

Analysis suggests that more than 2,000 hospitality venues could be at risk as operators grapple with rising costs.

According to trade body UKHospitality, 2,077 venues face potential closure, including 963 restaurants, 574 hotels and 540 pubs.

The organisation has argued that increasing financial pressures could have a significant impact on businesses already operating on tight margins.

Hotels are expected to be among the hardest hit, with figures indicating the average property could face an additional £28,900 in business rates next year alone.

By 2029, the cumulative increase for the average hotel is projected to reach £205,200, adding further pressure to a sector already dealing with higher staffing, energy and operating costs.

Ministers say the new funding and ownership powers are intended to help preserve community spaces that might otherwise be lost, while giving local people a direct role in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods.