PUB staff were celebrating yesterday after winning a national award for their service with a smile.

The Appletree Country Inn at Marton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, took the Customer Service of the Year title at the Publican Awards, beating competitors from around the country.

Licensees Melanie Thornton and Trajan Drew, who moved to the pub a year ago, said they were stunned to win the trophy.

"We went down to the awards presentation in London with the other finalists, but had no idea we would win," said Ms Thornton.

"We were fairly gobsmacked - I couldn't even get up from my seat to collect the trophy at first."

The judges, who made secret visits to the pub to get the feel of the place, praised the professionalism of staff.

Ms Thornton said they believed attention to detail was important.

"It's not just about the food, but about everything to do with a customer's visit," she said.