THE Campaign for Real Ale awarded the Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton its award as South West regional pub of the year this week.

The 16th Century free house fought off stiff competition from each of the 12 branches within the region, including the current national CAMRA Pub of the Year — an award the Tom Cobley itself won in 2006.

The pub serves 22 ales served by handpump and gravity, with the majority coming from small independent West Country breweries.

Ian Packham, South West regional director of CAMRA said: It is good to see the continuing hard work and commitment to real ale of landlord and landlady Roger and Carol Cudlip.

'They provide an excellent range of real ales of good quality all coming from the South West.

'This thriving village pub provides a very friendly atmosphere and an excellent range of good quality food is also available.

'The landlord's personality and the welcome that customers receive is a large contributing factor to the success of the pub.'

Roger and Carol said they were thrilled with the award and attributed their success to the fact that they are a family run freehouse with excellent, reliable staff.

They said they also appreciated CAMRA members from a host of different branches who have given them support and advice over the years.