A PUB which was destined to be closed less than 10 years ago before being saved by a co-operative has turned its fortunes around by winning a prestigious pub award for the region.

The George and Dragon, in Hudswell, near Richmond, could have closed for good in 2010 if it had not been for a committee of local residents raising £200,000 to buy it and run themselves.

The pub has gone through subsequent times of uncertainty but has now been awarded the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub of the year for the Yorkshire region – putting it in the top 16 pubs in the UK.

After being run successfully for four years by mother and daughter Jackie and Margaret Stubbs, a new landlord was sought in 2014 when they decided to leave.

Stuart Miller took over the running of the George and Dragon and has achieved his vision of creating a pub focused on local, good quality beer.

He said: “I’m so pleased and proud to have achieved this award – it seems mad really that we have only been here just over two years.

“There are so many good pubs in Yorkshire so to be voted the best by CAMRA is fantastic.”

The announcement comes on the same day as the launch of next year’s Good Pub Guide by CAMRA, and the George and Dragon has also been mentioned in the book for the first time.

Mr Miller said: “We were so pleased just to have won the CAMRA award for our area, so to now be in with a chance to get into the final four in the UK is amazing.

“When we arrived here we had a vision of what we wanted to do and I think we have achieved it – we extended the bar, put in extra pumps and we only use beer and cider from local breweries.

“The whole team is fantastic, and my wife Mel and my parents have been so supportive.”

Vince Rutland, chairman of the local CAMRA branch said: “The George and Dragon ticks just about every box we have – it is warm and friendly, has good quality beer and cider, and promotes our values.

“Considering only a few years ago the pub was at risk from closure, it is fantastic news for the village. It is a real community pub with allotments, a shop and library.

“I think the George and Dragon is as good as any of the other top 16 in the country and think it stands a great chance of doing well in the national round.”

Last September the pub received a visit from Prince Charles, who was able to try his hand at pulling a pint behind the bar and sampled a Yorkshire Brewing Company pale ale. His visit was linked to his role as patron of the Prince’s Pub is the Hub Foundation, which encourages communities to use local pubs as a base for clubs, events and provide essential services, especially in rural areas. Visit georgeanddragonhudswell.co.uk.