A REAL ale pub has won a coveted title for the second year in succession.

Licensees of The Ship Inn, in Middlestone Village, were celebrating at the weekend after it was voted Wear Valley Camra Pub of the Year 2002.

Landlord Graham Snaith, who runs the pub with his wife, Liz, said they were extremely pleased to get the title again, but hoped that this year they could go on to win the national title.

The couple have built the pub up to put it firmly on the beer drinkers' map by offering a wide selection of real ales.

A total of 290 beers have been offered to customers in the past 18 months.

It has also become renowned for its beer festivals, held in May and November every year. The next one will take place over the May bank holiday weekend.

Regulars were in the spotlight recently after an auction of pub memorabilia raised £560.50 for the Butterwick Hospice.

There will be another charity auction at the pub on the Saturday, May 4, at 8.30pm.