A VALE pub is celebrating after winning an award for best exterior in the annual Pride of Hooky awards.

Hook Norton brewery celebrated the success of its tenants at a ceremony which was held this year at its premises in Hook Norton, near Chipping Norton.

The awards, which have been running for more than 30 years, were attended by tenants, sponsors and company representatives.

Prizes were given in nine categories, with each winner receiving gift vouchers, a plaque for their pub and a certificate to commemorate their success.

The Queens Head, Sedgeberrow, near Evesham, claimed the title for Best Exterior.

John Wilsher, who took over the pub with his wife Olive 20 months ago, has been working hard to put in tubs, hanging baskets and flowers boxes around the outside of the pub and around the patio at the back to make it more of an inviting place for punters.

His proud wife said they were delighted to win an award.

"It's nice to be recognised for all the work that John does," she said. "He does all the gardening. The main one is the patio area at the back. It's very inviting. It used to be called the smoking shelter but it's now called the garden area. It's nice to have recognised all the work he's put into it."

James Clarke, Managing Director of Hook Norton Brewery, said: β€œIt’s been a long tradition at Hook Norton to celebrate the achievement and dedication of our tenants with an annual awards ceremony, and this year was no different.

"It was a lively, fun occasion enjoyed by all and a great chance for us to demonstrate how much we appreciate their hard work.”