Norwich identical twins Patrick and Phil Cutter have proved that brotherly love is still alive in the city after one helped the other to keep his pub going.

As reported, Patrick, who is the landlord at the Hellesdon Bull, is struggling to keep his pub open because of a dispute with the owner, Enterprise Inns, which he claims is refusing to help him financially to beat the tough times.

Patrick said last week he would have to close the pub, where he has been landlord for 13 years, because Enterprise had not supplied him with any beer, after he refused to pay the last bill over a dispute over rent. But he is still 'hanging on in there' thanks in part to help from his brother, who is landlord at the Murderers in Timberhill, in the city centre.

Patrick said: 'I'm going to collect some beer from a different supplier and my brother has also given me some beer.

'I've got enough to tide me over and I'm hanging on in there, but I'm still resigned to Enterprise soon kicking me out rather than making a decision to help me.

'But I cannot just shut the pub, because it's a community local, and there are people who still want to use it.'

Meanwhile, Phil said that giving some beer to his brother was the least he could do.

He said: 'From a business point of view it's sad to see any pub struggling, but it really brings it home when it's your brother. I've known for a long time that he has asked Enterprise for help. Unfortunately, I cannot help him financially, but I can supply him with a little bit of beer for the short-term, which I'm happy to do.'

Enterprise Inns said it does not comment on its dealings with individual pubs. However, a spokesman said it continued to spend very substantial sums of money to support deserving licensees during these difficult economic conditions.

The Evening News has been urging people to support pubs with the Love your Local campaign.

To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

What is your pub doing to beat the recession? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.