THE Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton is one of four pubs from across the UK vying for the crown of the CAMRA National Pub of the Year.

Back in the spring, the Exeter and Mid Devon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale voted the Tom Cobley to be their pub of the year, clinching the award for the seventh time in eight years. It retains the title as branch champion, having won in 2011.

Since then, CAMRA judges continued the process, and voted the tavern to be the South West CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year. This is the third time the pub has won the title, having also clinched the prize in 2006 and 2008.

The pub has now progressed into the national final, going up against pubs in Ruabon, Ramsgate and Rochdale to clinch the national title.

Landlord Roger Cudlipp said: 'It's a bit of a shock, but fantastic news for us being a small pub in the middle of the countryside. This success is a big boost to all the staff, it puts us on the map and really brings in an awful lot of trade. It's great to get a bit of good news, we're chuffed to bits.'

Pubs are scored by CAMRA members on the various aspects which make up a great pub, including its community focus, service and welcome, atmosphere, decor, value for money, but most importantly for the judges, the quality of the real ale served.

The Tom Cobley will come up against strong competition in the final, including current national champion the Bridge End Inn in Ruabon, Wrexham. The overall winner of CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition will be announced in February.

Julian Hough, CAMRA pubs director, said: 'In challenging economic times it's a credit to each of these four pubs and their teams that they have reached the national final in CAMRA's Pub of the Year competition. 

'Uniquely this year, all four are diverse in terms of size and business model.

'These pubs exemplify how combining first quality real ale, listening to the needs of their customer and community base, supporting local breweries and paying attention to detail can drive trade.'

Reaching the final caps another good year for the pub, which was also voted the Devon Life Best Community Pub of the Year for 2012.