AN award winning pub landlord is celebrating being the toast of real ale drinkers.

The Surtees Arms in Ferryhill Station, run by Alan Hogg, 42, and his wife Susan, 40, was named as the best country pub by the Durham branch of Camra.

The couple stock real ale, some of which they make themselves in the Yard of Ale Brewery, which is based next to the pub.

Mr Hogg said: “We’re very proud to have won this competition as I think we were up against some very good pubs.

“This is a massive boost for us and it’s nice to win.”

The Surtees Arms was named North-East Camra Pub of the Year in 2010, Durham Camra Pub of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and Durham Camra Pub of the Year runner-up in 2014.

A Camra spokesman said: “The Surtees is a good community pub, welcoming locals and visitors alike. So it’s well worth a visit and the award deserved.

“Though it is a requirement that cask ale is sold in a pub for it to be in with a chance of winning an award, there is much more than that to be considered in being a good pub.

“Other items include community involvement, atmosphere, range and quality of beers, events held, value for money, friendliness, customer service and so on.”

Other winners:

Best town pub: The Ye Old Elm Tree pub, Durham. Runners-up: The Victoria, Durham; Tap and Spile, Durham. Runners-up in the country pub section: Hare and Hounds, Westgate, Weardale; The Ship, Middlestone Village. Best town cider pub: John Duck, Durham. Runner-up: The Bay Horse, Bishop Auckland. Best country cider pub: The Black Lion, Wolsingham. Runner-up: The Black Bull, Frosterley. Best club: Chester le Street Cricket Club. Runner-up: Durham City Rugby Club.

The town and country pub winners go forward to the regional section of Camra’s competition.