A Darlington pub has won an industry award for the best family pub of the year.

John and Sheila Redman, managers of the Shuttle and Loom, in Whinfield Road, Darlington, owned by the Laurel Pub Company, are celebrating winning the bronze award at the Morning Advertiser Industry Awards 2002.

The Shuttle and Loom is the first family pub that they have managed, so the couple had to come to terms with a new guest type. After just two years they have put the business well and truly on the local family pub map.

Mr Redman said: "We are thrilled with this award. It recognises all the hard work that we have put into the Shuttle and Loom to make it the great business that it is.

"We couldn't have won the award without help from our fantastic team and, most importantly, the people who come to eat and drink at the Shuttle and Loom. Here's hoping we bring home the gold next year.