A FUN-loving Springhead couple who set up a remarkable Virtual Tavern on social media walked away with a real life mobile pub in front of millions of TV viewers.

Shocked Lorraine Robinson and ‘landlord’ Neil Greenwood made a surprise appearance on ITV’s Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Take Away.

The audience were told since they launched their unique Facebook page a year ago they had recruited more than 41,000 ‘regulars’ worldwide.

The tavern which has it’s own blue and painted headquarters, is a virtual haven from the tedium of lockdown and Lorraine and Neil accomplished a series of real life heart warming acts of kindness for the tavern members.

It offers live broadcasts, music, quizzes comedy sketches and a chance for the regulars to make friends.

Live on the show - the last in the current series - Lorraine and Neil answered quickfire quiz questions to earn their regulars, who were part of their virtual TV audience watching at home, some bonus prizes.

And as a unique gift for their kindness the couple who dreamed of taking their tavern of the road were presented with a real life £35,000 VW mobile pub, complete with beer pumps and even a dart board.

Lorraine said: "Myself and 'landlord' Neil initially put a quiz together. It went out live and it's just grown from there.

"The whole project is about escapism, support and positivity during these difficult times."

And Oldham’s Mayor cllr Ginny Alexander, herself a tavern member, said: “I am so proud to honour them with the Mayor’s Appreciation Award for their services, not only for the great community of Oldham, but the world.

“Thank you to Neil, Lorraine and their brilliant team of volunteers for everything they have done and continue to do.

“The good people of Oldham are behind you every step of the way!”