A FAMILIAR figure behind the bar at the Golden Fleece in Thirsk is something of a “mixologist” – and now his cocktail making skills, plus his outgoing personality, have won him a special award.

Craig Francis has been named Barperson of the Year for the Coaching Inn Group which has 14 market town inns and hotels across the country.

The 35-year-old, who grew up in Thornaby, received the accolade at the steadily growing group’s special awards night in Market Harborough.

“We have a wide range of cocktails both here at the Golden Fleece and at the other hotels and mixing them to a customer’s satisfaction is a most enjoyable part of the job,” he said.