PUB campaigners have encouraged more people to discover their local after even more reasons to go for a pint were uncovered by Oxford University academics.

A study by researchers found regulars with a local pub near their home were "significantly" happier, had more friends, better life satisfaction and drank more moderately.

The study, which was conducted in pubs in Oxfordshire, also revealed social skills improve after a drink and people were more likely to chat to each other in small community pubs rather than bigger boozers.

Lyn Simms has been campaigning to raise enough money to buy the Ampleforth Arms in Risinghurst, which closed in June.

She said the survey showed why people should value their local pubs.

The 55-year-old said: "It is about social interaction.

"Having the local pub means you can drink with other people, not just sit on your own and drink too much.

"Young and old are in local pubs and there is a whole range of activities.

"It shows that we need to fight to keep local pubs open and if you do have a pub open near you, you need to use it or lose it.

"A local pub is for everybody, including families."

The survey also found that pubs played an integral role in providing places where people could meet and make friends and highlighted the importance of face-to-face interaction.

There survey said there were 51,904 pubs in England and Wales in 2014, compared to 73,421 in 1951, with an average of 29 closing each week.

Marston resident Marton Smith has supported a campaign to save the Jack Russell pub in Salford Road, Marston, from being demolished after it was sold by brewery Greene King in October.

The 53-year-old musician said: "There is nowhere else you can meet other people in places like Marston.

"We are led to believe the world isn't as social as it used to be but actually that is because there are fewer pubs.

"As a musician, pubs are the only place where I can go and jam together with other musicians.

"People also don't drink as much alcohol at local pubs.

"Obviously you get some places in the city centre which are open to the early hours but most locals are shut by 11pm or midnight."

The survey, which was led by Professor Robin Dunbar of Oxford University, was carried out for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The organisation promotes quality beer and good pubs around the United Kingdom.

CAMRA Oxford branch chairman Tony Goulding said: "There is a great satisfaction in locals.

"Local people with a local pub appreciate it more than city centre types.

"Pubs vary so much. There are a lot of pubs for the sports community, for the quieter people among us, for good food in a small way.

"You can talk about different subjects on different nights.

"Some people start to chat in the pub and the next thing they are all away on holiday together."