NORTH Yorkshire’s pubs took centre stage when the winner of the county’s favourite pub was announced at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Television chef Brian Turner announced the winner with the head of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity at the tourism agency’s marquee. This year the accolade was awarded to The White Swan at Ampleforth in Ryedale.

A record number of people voted in this year’s award, with 18,500 votes cast across the county for 700 different pubs, which was whittled down to a shortlist of 15.

Mr Turner, from Halifax, said: “We have had great beer now for many years in this county, but we’re fast becoming known for the food Yorkshire produces and some really good cooks and chefs.”

Second place went to The Royal Oak in Ripon and third place was awarded to the Carpenter’s Arms in Felixkirk near Thirsk.

Adrian Sykes, who has owned The Royal Oak for the past four years, said it was an extra special award as it was customers who had voted for them.

“We’re a busy, city centre pub, but we are still a pub; we do good food and good beer.

“It was customers voting for us which makes it nice to get.”

The final 30 pubs will all be included in the Welcome to Yorkshire Ale Trail.