A COUNTRY pub is toasting success after receiving an award for the quality of its real ales.

The Fox and Hounds, in Neasham, near Darlington, has won a Cask Mark award after being nominated by Masham's Black Sheep Brewery.

The pub's beers were tested by brewery workers over a period of six months and it came out top as the pub that serves the perfect pint.

The judges were looking for the beer that had the optimum temperature, the best aroma and the finest appearance.

Landlady Bev Hayman said: "We already get a few people in who drink real ales, but we are hoping to get more in because we are a bit stuck out in the countryside.

"The award is something extra to attract people out to us."