THE Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton has won the Exeter and Mid Devon Pub of the Year award for the sixth time in seven years.

Each branch of the Campaign for Real Ale annually votes to decide which pub is the best in the area. The awards are part of Community Pubs Month, an initiative organised by CAMRA to champion the importance of local pubs and increase the awareness of pubs as invaluable community assets.

From 2006 to 2010 the Spreyton pub won the local award five times in a row, and claimed the CAMRA National Pub of the Year title in 2006.

Having maintained such a high standard of quality, the pub has now reclaimed its title as branch champion.

Landlord Roger Cudlipp was presented with the certificate for the award by CAMRA chairman Phil Roberts last Wednesday.

Roger explained the secret behind the pub's success: 'It's a combination of things — fresh meals, keeping the pub nice and clean, having friendly and welcoming staff.

'All the simple things add up, and it is a 24 hour job. We work very hard here, and everything adds up together, it's another chip in your bowl and another thing to show you're doing something right.

'It is all a support scheme. We sell 14 ales and 20 ciders here, and get great support from local breweries and suppliers.

'The award is very good, to win it again. It is good for the pub, and we just hope to keep working hard and keep going.'

The Tom Cobley Tavern will now go on to compete in regional rounds, with one pub eventually going on to be crowned the CAMRA National Pub of the Year.

CAMRA was formed in 1971 to campaign for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights. Since its formation in 1971 the campaign has grown to have 138,444 members across the globe.