AFTER pulling in a record number of nominations and votes, the finalists have been announced for Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2013.

The final 12, including six from North Yorkshire, will now battle it out for the title which will be announced on July 9 at the Great Yorkshire Show.

The competition, being run by official tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, saw the public nominate in record numbers – with more than 700 pubs nominated who collectively pulled in over 4,000 votes.

A panel of judges narrowed the 30 with the most votes down to 12 finalists and the public are now being invited to vote for which of these 12 pubs they think is Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2013.

Voting opens on Saturday, June 1, and closes on June 30 at yorkshire.com/pub

Welcome to Yorkshire’s chief executive Gary Verity, said: “Pubs play a vital role in people’s lives, communities and of course in tourism. They are raising the bar nationally and winning awards. More than that, they are offering quality food, drinks and a warm welcome.

“As ever, it was a challenge to narrow down the 30 to a final list for the public to vote a favourite."

The North Yorkshire finalists include: The Anvil Inn, Sawdon; Bay Horse, Hutton Rudby, Buck Hotel, Reeth, Carpenter’s Arms, Felixkirk, Forrester’s Arms, Carlton-in-Coverdale and the One-Eyed Rat, Ripon.