LANDLORDS of North-East pub have thanked customers and their community for nominating them as "lockdown heroes" at a national award ceremony.

Simon and Rachel Leadbetter, who run The Mowden pub in Darlington, were awarded the title at the Great British Pub Awards last night.

The awards, which this year focused on work done by venues to support their communities during the pandemic, recognised the couple's work in the local community, which included raising £9,500 and cooking and delivering more than 10,000 free meals for elderly and vulnerable people at the height of the coronavirus.

The Leadbetters were able to buy ingredients through donations and used the pub's kitchen to batch cook meals which were delivered across Darlington with a team of helpers, including their three children.

"We were really over the moon just to be nominated," said Mr Leadbetter. "To be recognised by our customers and local community feels incredible.

"We never suspected that we would actually win."

Mr and Mrs Leadbetter were at work last night when their win was announced during the virtual ceremony.

"We didn't want to miss it, so we had it streaming on televisions in the pub. When it was announced that we had won, the whole pub cheered.

"So much has happened since April, including reopening the pub, that it feels like a lifetime since we were making and delivering meals. We're back to focusing on The Mowden now, and taking everyday as it comes with the new restrictions.

"We've been told to expect a trophy in the post so once it arrives we'll display it proudly in the pub."