AROUND 28,000 pubs have closed since the 1970s as the sector faces a "ticking time bomb" over its future, a report warns.

Research by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) found there are fewer than 50,000 pubs, with more beer now being drunk at home.

Camra called for greater support for pubs, saying they are under threat as never before. Its annual Good Beer Guide reports that when Camra was formed in the early 1970s, Britain had 75,000 pubs.

The Square & Compass in Worth Matravers, near Swanage, is among just five pubs that have made every single edition of the guide since it was launched 45 years ago.

The new business rates revaluation introduced in 2017 is the latest "ticking time bomb" to devastate the sector, the campaign group said.

Some of the increases, due to be phased in over a five-year period, are described as "eye-watering."

Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz said: "The British pub is unique, rooted in our island's history, dating from Roman and Saxon times.

"Congratulations to the famous five, who will go down in history for being hallmarks of the Good Beer Guide.

"It is a great honour to be listed in the Guide even just once - never mind 45 times."

Camra has launched a campaign calling for an annual £5,000 reduction in business rates for every pub across England.

A Government spokesman said more than 9,000 small pubs had been given a £1,000 discount on their businesses rates bill as part of a £435 million package of support for businesses.