A PUB boss has announced she is resigning as the impact of Covid-19 has devastated her business.

Becki Churchman said she made the decision to hand her notice in with “great sadness” after running the Half Butt Inn, in Nayland Road, Great Horkesley, for three years.

The pub, based in a 17th century inn with a large beer garden and play area, is popular with villagers and regularly screens sporting fixtures.

But trade has suffered throughout the pandemic and the Omicron variant, which surged through the UK at the back end of 2021, proved to be the final nail in the coffin for many.

A statement shared by the Half Butt said: “It’s with great sadness that I am having to write this post, but unfortunately I have had to hand my notice in at the pub.

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“Due to this latest variant of Covid, it has had a massive impact on my business and trade and I’ve had to make one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make and end the fight on my side.

“My last day of trading will be Saturday, April 9, where I will be hosting a closing down party, so it would be great to see you all here.

“I want to thank you all for your support over the past three years. I will be very sad to leave, but I’ve had a good run.

“I am hopeful that someone will come in on my departure so the doors won’t have to close, but I will keep you all updated.

“But until then it’s trading as normal. If anyone has any questions, then please don’t hesitate to talk to me directly about it.”

At what is often their most profitable time of year, many pubs and restaurants saw cancellations and reduced footfall as people responded to the rise in cases ahead of Christmas.

Hospitality UK reported many businesses lost 40 to 60 per cent of their December trade.

In response, the Government provided one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises for businesses in the sector.