PERFECT pints and warm welcomes have potted a Darlington snooker club a regional award.

Darlington Snooker Club, on Corporation Road, has beaten off competition from across the region to be named the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) North-East club of the year.

The club, run by Peter Everett, was awarded the title for the eighth time thanks to its friendly staff and commitment to real ale and local microbreweries.

Mr Everett, 42, who has run the club for the past 13 years said: “I am mega chuffed to get this. We beat off competition from clubs in Darlington, Durham, Cleveland, Sunderland, Newcastle and as far away as Haltwhistle in Northumberland.

“We have got a great bunch of members who always help me out if I need any help. I love my job as every day is different and you meet some great people.”

CAMRA North-East regional director, David Braizer, presented Mr Everett with his award at the club’s Booze ‘n’ Cues festival at the weekend.

The club will now battle it out against 15 others from across the UK to be crowned CAMRA’s national club of the year. The winner will be announced on Thursday (November 8).