STAFF at the Railway Inn at Newnham have won the South West Regional Cider Pub of the Year award.

It was not the first time that landlord David Price met with officials from CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), who presented the award, as the pub scooped the Best Cider Pub in Gloucestershire earlier this year.

Their win automatically secured the pub a place in the regional competition and on Saturday they were presented the coveted award by regional cider coordinator for the south west, Bob Southwell.

The small countryside pub was recognised for its constant effort to maintain a wide selection of high-quality ciders and perrys against its competitors across the region.

David said: "This award recognises the Railway's constant effort to maintain more than 50 high quality ciders and perrys every day. We hugely support local ciders and businesses with our most popular and sought-after cider being produced around the corner at Blakeney Hill.

"A regional award for a small pub in the Forest of Dean demonstrates the commitment of the staff and customers combined as the Railway is one of the very few remaining traditional countryside pubs that pride itself on being the social hub and heart of Newnham.

"Overall, Saturday was an extremely proud day for all involved, with CAMRA officials describing the unique qualities of The Railway that enabled us to achieve this remarkable award."

Chairman for Gloucestershire CAMRA, Andrew Frape commented: "The Railway Inn was up against six of the best pubs in each county and at that level you expect each to be good.

"But what puts the pub above the rest is the fact that all the staff know their products inside out and from that can give their customers firm recommendations to suit their preferences. Our six judges for each county visited each pub for secret voting and the one with the most votes obviously wins. The Railway Inn is a very deserving winner."