DEACONS in Salisbury has been named Pub of the Year by Salisbury and South Wilts Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The pub in Fisherton Street was voted for by members of the local CAMRA group.

Owners Dave Hancock and his wife Aimee took over the pub two-and-a-half years ago after it had been closed for six months.

Salisbury-born Dave was presented with the winner’s certificate by Ian Turner, the chairman of the Salisbury and South Wilts branch of CAMRA, at the pub, which was packed with regulars and CAMRA members for the occasion.

Ian said: “Dave and Aimee thoroughly deserve this accolade from our members.

“They and their staff have worked incredibly hard and introduced a range of good real ales to turn Deacons from a pub which had been closed for months into a really excellent local. Recognising this is what CAMRA’s local Pub of the Year competition is all about.”

“Voted for by members of Salisbury & South Wilts CAMRA, the competition considers our local pubs that have already been included in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, so beer quality is undisputed. In addition, the pub atmosphere, support for CAMRA and community focus are all considered," added Ian.

Dave said: “Deacons is a traditional free house with an emphasis on quality beer and we have tried to support local breweries. We are locals and all our staff, who are passionate about customer service, are local. We are a community hub and there are not too many pubs like us left. We are very grateful to CAMRA for having got behind us.”