Two out of five adults never visit a pub, while even regular drinkers go to their local less often, according to a new study.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said it was concerned to find that over a third of pub-goers had cut back on having a drink in a pub in the past year.

The research also showed that four out of five regulars had never received any communication from their local.

Colin Valentine, Camra's chairman, said, "A staggering 28 pubs close every week in Britain so it is important we all take this research seriously.

"Although many pubs excel in communication, it is clear that a lot of pubs need to engage more with their local community if they want to be successful.

"Organising events that appeal to the local community and communicating what they have planned is a necessity according to this report.

"In 2009, 27% of adults never visited pubs and in just five years this figure has increased to 38%.

"Many of these people (40%) state they do not use pubs because they no longer drink alcohol or have reduced the amount of alcohol they drink.

"Great community pubs are not only about enjoying alcoholic drinks.

"They are great places to relax, socialise, eat and spend time with the family. Camra and the pub industry have to work hard to get this message out."

Camra added that more than 50 pubs were now being run by their local communities rather than face closure.

The research among 1000 adults, including 600 pub-goers, was published to coincide with the start of Camra's community pubs month.