'TOM Cobley and all' will no doubt raise a glass or two to a Spreyton pub, which this week was named runner up in the National Pub of the Year 2008 by the Campaign for Real Ale.

The Tom Cobley Tavern just lost out to the Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield — but nevertheless, it is a a real shot in the arm for landlord Roger Cudlip, his wife Carol, and their hard working staff at the popular inn.

Roger Cudlip told the Times: 'It's absolutely fantastic. All right, runner-up is not as good as first but it was still excellent that we got into the final four.

'It's not just about ourselves though, its about the whole area.

'Such awards help to bring a lot of trade our way, but if we are full, I'm more than happy to recommend other local pubs to customers.

'A lot of top restaurants have been forced to close because of the recession, but our answer is that we just have to work harder.

'It is about establishing a consistency of standards and ours are measured every time we serve a drink or put a plate of food in front of a customer.'

CAMRA's director of Pubs, Julian Hough, said: 'The final four pubs are of the highest standard in terms of quality and presentation, and to get this far after so many months of judging is a true testament to their efforts.'

It is not the first time the Tom Cobley has won such top honours. It was the National CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2006 and the pub's reputation for both beer and food attracts attracts visitors from all over the country.

CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition is judged by the its membership. Each CAMRA branch votes for their favourite pub and considering the thousands of pubs throughout the country, it is a tremendous achievement by the Spreyton pub.

Judges based their criteria on customer service, décor, clientele mix, value for money, and the quality of their real ale.

The branch winners were entered into 16 regional competitions and then the 16 winners battle it out to reach these final stages.

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