A ONE-year-old micro-brewery is in the running for a national award.

Sonnet 43 Brew House, based in Coxhoe, County Durham, is a finalist in the Best Microbrewing Pub Company category at The Publican Awards.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London next month.

Since opening in late 2012, Sonnet 43 has produced more than 1,500 barrels and thousands of bottles of beer and its drinks are now sold in more than 300 venues across the North.

The firm has three pubs, The Lambton Worm in Chester-le-Street, The White Lead in Hebburn and the Clarence Villa in Coxhoe, and hopes to expand this year.

Sonnet 43, named after the verse of the same title by Coxhoe-born poet Elizabeth Barratt Browning, won several honours last year, including two Great Taste Awards.

Owner Mark Hird said he was thrilled at the latest recognition.