VILLAGERS who mounted a spirited campaign to save their pub from closure are now toasting its success as the North-East's top watering hole.

The Ship Inn, voted the region's Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale, was condemned at 'economically unviable' by brewing companyVaux four years ago.

However, a vigorous campaign by people from Middlestone Village, near Spennymoor, and Camra activists saved the day for the pub, which is now a free house run by landlady Liz Snaith and her husband Graham.

The couple were new to the licensed trade when they took over 11 months ago and reckon they have served 135 different beers in that short time, mainly from independent breweries in the North-East and Yorkshire.

Mr Snaith said: "We are over the moon with the award. Taking on the pub was a completely different job for both of us. It has been hard work, but enjoyable, and we have support from customers and from Camra.

"People come here from around the county, but also from Yorkshire and other areas just to try the beer."