A SMALL Darlington pub has been named the town's "champion" pub 2003 by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

The Quaker Ale and Coffee House, in Mechanics' Yard, off High Row, was presented with the award yesterday.

It is the third time in four years that the freehouse, hidden away in one of the town centre's old yards, has won the award.

Despite occupying some of the oldest buildings in Darlington - part could date back to the late 1600s - the pub has only been licensed since 1998.

It changed hands last year when it was bought by the Tadcaster Pub Company.

Camra judges said the pub's latest success owes everything to the efforts of the licensees, Steve Metcalfe and Lynda Harland.

Darlington Camra chairman Ian Jackson said: "The Quaker has been through a period of change in the past year but Steve and Lynda have remained 100 per cent committed to providing a good choice of beautifully-kept handpulled beers - real ales - for their customers.

"They sell some amazing beers from small independent breweries which are otherwise hard to find in this area.

"And, of course, they continue to stock their house beer, Quaker Ghost Ale, named after the pub's resident ghost."