AN award-winning pub has been put on the market to save its owners from possible bankruptcy in the aftermath of last year's foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Countryman, at Bolam, near Darlington, saw takings drop by two-thirds when the outbreak started.

Now landlord David Clarke is working as a buildings site labourer during the day to supplement his income.

"The takings have never really recovered," he said.

"I think people just went elsewhere and they are creatures of habit."

Mr Clarke, who is also chef at the Countryman, said his future depends on how much he can get if he can sell the pub.

In the three months it has been on the market there have been no definite offers.

The pub was named Country Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale in 2000 and last year.

But Mr Clarke said: "All the awards in the world haven't meant a thing.