STEPPING inside the Victoria is a bit like being transported back 100 years.

The first customers who stepped across the Durham pub's threshold in 1899 would find few concessions to the 21st Century if they came back today.

The display of crisps, the fruit machine and the air conditioning would give the game away.

But the floorboards, the coal fire and even the till, which still rings up the prices in pounds, shilling and pence, are the same as when Britain's longest-serving monarch, Victoria, was on the throne.

Real ale enthusiasts reckon the pub, in Hallgarth Street, is a treasure in a desert of branded theme bars serving up a "leisure experience".

The Durham branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) has given the Victoria its pub of the year award for the third time, which may be a record.

The atmosphere and the fact it serves five hand-pulled ales, some produced locally, helped swayed the judges.

Branch chairman Ken Weaver said: "It won because it gives that support to micro-breweries, has got friendly staff and is a beautifully unspoilt and unaltered pub.

"There are not enough pubs like it around, unfortunately.

"The landlord, Michael Webster, knows what his customers want. You do not have to be a plastic theme pub to make a decent living."

Mr Webster, whose parents ran The Alexander, in Consett, has been at the helm of the free house for 27 years. He said: "It has not changed at all. It is a traditional, local pub. It is as it was, although there has been a little bit of decorating done. It is nice the way it is."

The pub, which also has a bed and breakfast, has long featured in the Good Beer Guide and Mr Webster is delighted to win another award.