THE Central pub, in Middlesbrough, has been named winner of the town's 2012 Best Bar None awards.

And The Keys, pictured with staff member Dave Dickson, run by the same company as The Keys, in Ya rm, was named best club, with the honours in the community pub category going to The Coronation.

The scheme, now in its sixth year, rewards pubs and clubs providing safe, enjoyable and crime-free places to eat and drink.

The winners received their awards at a ceremony in Middlesbrough town hall, last week.

Bars and clubs were judged for a number of criteria, including their approach to preventing crime and public nuisance, promoting safety and protecting children.

The competition was opened up to restaurants for the first time with Al Forno winning a vote by tfm radio listeners. Listeners also voted the Empire as their favourite nightspot.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community protection, said: "Middlesbrough is safer now than it has ever been, and licensees across the town are continuing to play a vital role in helping to reduce disorder, anti-social behaviour and crime."

The awards, a partnership between licencees, the council and police, were sponsored by Mincoffs Solicitors and printing.com