A STUDLEY pub has been named local pub of the year in the latest CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, list.

The Victoria Works, judged on its decor, value for money, customer service, and of course the quality of its real ale, will now go forward to battle it out in the regional heats and could become National Pub of the Year, announced in early 2016.

The announcement was made as part of April’s Community Pubs Month.

Tom Stainer, from CAMRA, said: “Pubs play an essential role in our communities and are clearly very highly valued, but despite this are still being lost at an alarming rate across the UK.

"The best way people can protect their local’s future is by getting down there and supporting it – which is why throughout April CAMRA will be calling on people to visit their local pub and support an important British industry.”

He added: "Community Pubs Month is about highlighting the important role pubs play in community life and no pubs are better examples of fantastic locals than these two hundred CAMRA branch winners.

"Each one of them has been judged the best in their respective area and are well worth seeking out for any would-be ale lovers.”

Recent CAMRA research showed 75 per cent of pub-goers believe a well run community pub is as important to community life as a post office, local shop or community centre – but despite this 29 pubs are still being lost in the UK every week.